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Mission Viejo Animal Services provides an update on cat that was tossed in a dumpster

cat in dumpster

Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) is updating the public on the status of Willow, a.k.a. BooBoo, the cat. 

BooBoo remains under veterinary care and is improving. She was examined by a leading forensic veterinarian this morning and is receiving continued care at a partner hospital. Her owner came forward and is assisting the MVAS investigation team with information about the male suspect who injured and tossed her cat in a dumpster. With her help, the video evidence, and other information, there is probable cause to press charges against the man in the video. As reported by the City last night, he was taken into custody.

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for collaborating with us on this arrest and for taking the suspect into custody,” said Animal Services Director Brynn Lavison. “We also want to thank our nonprofit Dedicated Animal Welfare Group for being willing to assist any animal in need that arrives at our shelter and specifically for helping with the medical care of BooBoo. Most importantly, we want the public to know how deeply we are moved by the outpouring of care and concern for BooBoo. Many of you have donated to her care; others have inquired about her adoption status; and most have expressed their disdain for animal abuse. We feel proud to be part of a pet-loving community that truly cares about the animals who share our lives.”

BooBoo will eventually reunite with her loving owner, who was also a victim of this heinous crime. However, before that happens, MVAS will ensure that BooBoo is healthy, and our shelter is committed to her long-term safety. 

Comments

Submitted by Jodi on Fri, 03/14/2025 - 9:37 am

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Absolutely confirm the future safety of this precious cat, how did this even happen? Let's ask more questions please...

Submitted by Paula on Fri, 03/14/2025 - 5:58 am

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Don't judge the owner automatically. The perpetrator was a roommate and had ready access to the cat. People, including the roommate, can fake a lot of stuff before they snap and the real person comes out.

Submitted by Momo on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 9:56 pm

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The owner reached out within hours so I believe the owner probably wasnt part of crime against BooBoo. If this was my cat I would ask for the man to be charged with an attempted (man)slaughter but I suppose felony is the most you can charge for crimes against furbabies. I am happy that we live in a place where a man can be arrested for animal abuse. My cat and I are so lucky to live here.

Submitted by Jeannine on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 8:04 pm

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How can you make a judgement about the owner when you don't know the circumstances. She came forward to have him arrested. That's all we know.

Submitted by Larry on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 7:52 pm

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Thank you for updating the public. MVAS is a cherished animal organization, and how quickly your officers reacted was terrific. This goes to show that social media offers something good to society if used the right way. I hope Willow makes a speedy recovery.

Submitted by Mark Calkins on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 7:02 pm

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I believe you should post a picture of the person who injured BooBoo and place them on a watch list. We love our pets as family members and want to be able to protect them from criminals. Thank you OC sheriffs and Mission Viejo Animal Services.

Submitted by Hammer on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 6:58 pm

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Re: restraining order. Pretty sure the aggrieved party -that being BooBoo- would need to apply for the order

Submitted by Serena on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 6:34 pm

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The owner was also a victim as stated in the article. We don’t know anymore information. Let’s not accuse her of wrongdoing without proof. Maybe it’s a domestic violence situation? Or not? We don’t know.

I wish Booboo a speedy recovery and hope that her owner is safe.

Submitted by Tina on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 3:33 pm

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I do not know the circumstances but PLEASE investigate her owner because I am not sure how this happened and I know as an owner, my cats are never outside and no one could
Hurt them or take them. Please do not release to the owner unless fully cleared!

Submitted by Lisa A Silva on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 12:41 pm

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How loving can the owner be if she let this man near her cat and isn't paying the vet bills? I think booboo needs a better home.

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