Sign: Heartless Man Abandoned Cat With ‘Extensive’ Injuries In Dumpster Like A Piece Of Trash

Published: March 14, 2025 at 08:09 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

Mission Viejo, CA – On March 10, a heartless act of cruelty was captured on surveillance video. A man drove to a dumpster near the 25000 block of Cabot Road in Laguna Hills and pulled a plastic trash bag from his car. He walked to the dumpster and dumped an injured cat in the trash bin before driving away.

Video footage shows the injured cat staggering and falling over.

According to the Mission Viejo Animal Services agency, the injured cat suffered in the dumpster for nearly 15 hours before being found…and she was discovered just moments before the dumpster was scheduled for collection.

Against all odds, this sweet cat survived the abuse and abandonment. She has been dubbed Willow, a.k.a. BooBoo, and the Mission Viejo Animal Services agency has stated that she is expected to survive.

Her body may have been battered, but her affectionate demeanor was not destroyed. The agency said:

“Despite this heartbreaking betrayal, Willow continues to show immense affection to the veterinary staff caring for her, purring and seeking comfort from those providing her with kindness and affection.”

The City of Mission Viejo released a statement on March 13:

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.

Please add your name to the petition to hold this man accountable for his heartless actions. There is NO excuse for abandoning this injured cat in a dumpster, and it is a miracle that she was found before the unthinkable took place.

Target: Orange County District Attorney

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that this man be held accountable for heartlessly abandoning an injured cat in the trash. There is NO excuse for discarding this cat in the dumpster, and this man must face the actual consequences. Animal Victory and its supporters want to see this man prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for the charge of felony Aggravated animal cruelty.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for this innocent cat but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: The authorities have not yet released the man’s identity. As soon as Animal Victory has this information, the petition will be updated. Willow/BooBoo will be reunited with her owner after she has recovered from her injuries.

News:

ABC 7

Fox 11 

OC Register

CASE UPDATES

Update: Pre-trial has been continued to 12/08/2026 at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom H1. Defendant Joseph Harrison Parker, Case #25HF0671.

Update: Pre-Trial has been rescheduled to 09/09/2026 at 8:30 a.m. Courtroom H1.

Update 3/25/2026: Joseph Harrison Parker’s pre-trial is now scheduled for 06/11/2026 at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom H1. Case #25HF0671

Update 12/22/2025: Joseph Harrison Parker, Case #25HF0671, Pre-Trial scheduled for 03/24/2026 in Courtroom H1.

Here is what is currently happening in the case of Joseph Harrison Parker:

Current Status

• The case is still OPEN.
• Parker has pleaded NOT GUILTY to all charges.
• He is out of custody (released on bail).

Charges

There are two criminal charges:

1. Felony – Animal Cruelty
   California Penal Code 597(a)
2. Misdemeanor – Abandoning a Dog or Cat
   California Penal Code 597s(a)

These stem from the March 12, 2025 incident.

Bail

• Bail was $2,000
• Posted March 21, 2025

Court Progress

Hearings already happened:

• March 14, 2025 – Arraignment
• March 24, 2025 – Pre-trial + bail review
• June 2, 2025 – Pre-trial hearing
• March 26 preliminary hearing was cancelled

Next Court Date

• September 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
• Pre-trial hearing

Important Notes

• No sentence yet because the case has not gone to trial or plea agreement.
• No probation or incarceration orders yet.

What This Usually Means

In California animal cruelty cases:

• Prosecutors are still negotiating or preparing for trial.
• Many cases resolve shortly before trial through a plea deal.
• The September pre-trial is often where the case may move toward:
  • trial scheduling
  • plea agreement
  • or dismissal/amended charges.

Update 9/30/2025: Joseph Harrison Parker’s pre-trial is scheduled for 12/16/2025 at 8:30 a.m. Case #25HF0671

Update 9/25/2025: Joseph Harrison Parker was charged with Cruelty to Animals – a felony, and abandonment domestic dog or cat, a misdemeanor. He pled not guilty to both charges. Case #25HF0671. No update as of yet on his pre-trial appearance.

Update 6/03/2025: Joseph Harrison Parker, Case #25HF0671, Pre-Trial scheduled for 09/25/2025. Case detail attached. Parker was assessed $2,000 bond which was paid.

Update 5/23/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to the DA and the Judge.

Update 5/06/2025: Case #25HF0671. Pre-trial conference: 06/02/2025 at 8:30 AM. Courtroom H1. District Attorney: Danica Drotman

Update 3/20/2025: The Individual arrested for injuring and dumping Willow the cat is Joseph Parker, DOB:  08/03/1966, Booking #3355876. The case number is DR#25-009133.