Mission Viejo: National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week Is April 12-18

Press release from the City of Mission Viejo:

April 9, 2020

In honor of “National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week” April 12-18, the City is giving a shout out to the dedicated officers of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

Serving Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita, the eight officers have a combined 95 years of animal services experience under their belts.

Today, we are highlighting Animal Services Officer Stewart, a 10-year veteran of the shelter. Before our City, he worked at the Irvine Animal Shelter and for the City of San Clemente.

As Mission Viejo’s investigating officer, he handles complex animal cruelty and animal attack investigations. In fact, he is credited with aiding in the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty cases.
“These cases are very difficult to work physically and mentally, but they are worth it when we can get animals out of bad situations and punish people who treat animals badly,” he said.

Officer Stewart likes working with wildlife and is an expert rattlesnake handler. When not working, he enjoys fishing and camping with his two kids as well as remodeling his home. He is the proud owner of a Chihuahua, Chug (Chihuahua/Pug) and Pitbull-Boxer mix.

This press release was produced by the City of Mission Viejo. The views expressed here are the author’s own.