In a dramatic legal twist, two plaintiffs are accusing a couple of fraud and breach of contract over an adoption agreement involving a beloved pet. On February 21, 2025, Marcella Ocampo and Jasmine Ocampo filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against defendants Quinn Villa and Norma Villa. The case revolves around allegations that the Villas deceived the plaintiffs during an open adoption process for their dog named Savannah.
According to the complaint, the Ocampos allege that they were misled by Norma Villa on September 16, 2024, at a location in Thousand Oaks, California. The plaintiffs claim that they entered into an agreement with the Villas for an open adoption of their dog under specific terms outlined in a written term sheet. This agreement included provisions for monthly play dates with Savannah's siblings and parents and access to create media content featuring the dog for a book project. "You know us. This was a given. You have our word," Ms. Villa allegedly assured Marcella Ocampo during their meeting.
However, the plaintiffs contend that these promises were false from the outset. They accuse Ms. Villa of having no intention to honor the agreed-upon terms and assert that she made these oral statements solely to induce them to leave Savannah in her care. As a result of this alleged deception, the Ocampos claim they have suffered significant emotional distress due to losing contact with Savannah—a dog they intended to remain connected with throughout its life.
The lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from the court. Firstly, it demands punitive damages against Ms. Villa for her alleged fraudulent conduct and calls for rescission of the adoption transaction to return Savannah to her rightful owners. Additionally, it requests specific performance or an injunction compelling the defendants to comply with their original agreement by returning Savannah.
Furthermore, in their second cause of action for breach of contract against all defendants involved—Quinn Villa included—the plaintiffs argue that despite fulfilling all obligations under their agreement except those excused by prior breaches committed by defendants themselves; they have been denied any contact whatsoever with Savannah since then.
The case is being handled by attorney Scott A. Meehan on behalf of Marcella and Jasmine Ocampo while Joan Foster serves as Deputy Clerk overseeing proceedings within Ventura County's jurisdictional boundaries under Case No: 2025 CILIFRO29079.