- California, USA -
The Anaheim Police Department announced that its detectives have arrested 24-years-old MICHELLE DIANE NAVARRETE for felony animal abuse.
NAVARRETE, of Fountain Valley, worked at Dogtopia, a dog daycare and boarding facility, on the 4500 block of E. Eisenhower Circle in Anaheim for approximately three (3) years.
According to the Department’s press release obtained by Voice For Us, Dogtopia’s owners reported acts of animal abuse that happened at their facility to Orange County Animal Care. Subsequently, on July 5, 2023, the agency alerted Anaheim Police to allegations of animal abuse that occurred at the business.
Anaheim Police immediately launched an investigation and detectives learned NAVARRETE “ had committed several acts of animal abuse against dogs under the business’ care.”
Detectives located NAVARRETE in the City of Fountain Valley on the afternoon of Thursday, July 6, 2023, and arrested her for felony animal abuse.
She was booked into the Anaheim Police Department Detention Facility and was released after posting $20,000 bail.
As stated in the release, “Detectives are working to determine how many dogs have been affected or injured.” The investigation is ongoing and detectives are not disclosing any additional details at this time.
If you believe your furbaby/furbabies have been abused or neglected at Dogtopia, contact detectives at (714) - 328 - 8153 or through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS. Thank you.
One of the owners of Dogtopia, Larry Hartjoy, in a statement to Eyewitness News said: “We are devastated about these events, as Dogtopia has a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of mistreatment of animals. The employee was terminated, and our team is working alongside local law enforcement during their investigation.” He also added: “We are very grateful the dogs involved are doing well and our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time. We thank and support the staff member at this location who reported this behavior to help ensure justice is served.”
Mr. Hartjoy told Eyewitness News he understands that the accusations against NAVARRETE might tarnish the company's reputation, but he wants people to know they are distraught about what happened.
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
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