City of Mission Viejo, CA

03/12/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/12/2025 18:42

Suspect is in custody facing charges of felony animal cruelty after dumping injured cat in a dumpster

The suspect who tossed an injured cat into a dumpster was arrested this afternoon and is facing felony charges of animal cruelty.

The arrest came just hours after the City issued a press release today seeking the public's help in identifying the individual who was captured on surveillance footage tossing the cat into a dumpster.

"Through our social media, the cat owner came forward and identified the man was her roommate seen in the video, and we conducted an investigation and have probable cause that the suspect was in violation of animal cruelty," said Mission Viejo Animal Services Supervisor Kyle Werner.

The man was taken into custody with assistance of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The City of Mission Viejo Animal Services is grateful to the media for its vast coverage and residents who stepped up to help this cat in need.