Man Arrested for Throwing Injured Cat in Dumpster

A California man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after being caught on video surveillance throwing an injured cat into a dumpster in Laguna Hills.

The shocking incident has sparked outrage within the animal welfare community and beyond.

Dumped and Left for Dead

The heartbreaking act occurred on Monday night near the 25000 block of Cabot Road, where surveillance footage captured the suspect discarding the wounded feline.

It took nearly 15 hours before the cat — now affectionately named BooBoo (or Willow) by rescuers — was discovered, just moments before the dumpster was set to be emptied.

Despite her injuries, BooBoo has shown incredible resilience, offering affection to her caregivers and proving the unwavering trust animals place in humans—even after betrayal.

Rescue and Investigation

After the video went public, Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) launched an immediate investigation.

In a recent statement, MVAS Supervisor Kyle Werner shared that the suspect was identified through social media.

“The cat’s owner came forward and identified the man in the video as her roommate. We conducted an investigation and found probable cause for animal cruelty charges,” Werner said.

Thanks to a joint effort between MVAS and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect was taken into custody.

Animal Services Director Brynn Lavison expressed gratitude to nonprofit group Dedicated Animal Welfare Group, which has been assisting with BooBoo’s medical treatment.

A Community United

BooBoo is currently under veterinary care and showing signs of improvement. Her owner will eventually be reunited with her, but only once she is fully recovered and deemed safe.

The case has sparked widespread support from the community, with many donating toward BooBoo’s care and demanding justice for animal cruelty.

“We feel proud to be part of a pet-loving community that truly cares about the animals who share our lives,” Lavison stated.

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