Brookhaven, Georgia — A disturbing animal cruelty investigation is underway after a witness allegedly saw a woman throw three kittens from the window of a moving minivan, leaving one kitten dead, another injured and a third still missing.
The incident happened Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Brookhaven, where a witness immediately contacted police after reportedly watching the kittens being thrown from the vehicle.
Witness Says She Saw Kittens Thrown From Car
According to authorities, Valentina Tobon Henao, 25, is accused of throwing the kittens from a minivan while driving through Brookhaven. Witness Maria Stewart said she initially struggled to believe what she was seeing.
“Once I realized what was happening in front of my very eyes, I couldn’t believe it,” Stewart said.
She then followed the vehicle and attempted to draw attention to the driver, eventually taking photographs of the minivan and its license plate.
Stewart said she was extremely upset by what she witnessed.
“You just don’t throw them out of a car — and that’s what got me so riled up,” she said.
She called 911 and provided police with the vehicle’s license plate number and a description of the driver.
One Kitten Died and Another Was Seriously Injured
The aftermath was devastating. Police and residents discovered that one of the kittens had died in the roadway.
A second kitten survived but suffered a dislocated tail and scratches around its ears. The injured animal was taken to veterinarians for treatment.
The kitten was later taken in by Teri Eden, a friend of Stewart, who has been caring for the animal while the search continues for the third kitten.
Eden said the surviving kitten was sedated after the ordeal and appeared to have made it through the night. She also expressed concern about the dangers facing the missing animal, which is reportedly only 8 weeks old.
Search Continues for Missing Kitten
The third kitten reportedly escaped after being thrown from the vehicle and ran away. Police and local residents have been searching throughout the Brookhaven area in hopes of finding the animal before it is harmed.
Signs have been posted around Brookhaven Park to help alert residents and bring information about the missing kitten to authorities.
The search is particularly urgent because of the kitten’s young age and its vulnerability outside.
Suspect Arrested After Witness Identifies Her
After Stewart contacted police and provided information about the vehicle, officers located Tobon Henao at a nearby business. Stewart was later able to identify the suspect during a drive-by identification with police, according to reports.
Tobon Henao was taken into custody and charged with cruelty to animals. Jail records show she was arrested Wednesday and released on bond Friday, Aug. 7.
The allegations against her have not been proven in court.
Police Urge People to Seek Help Instead
The case has prompted local officials to remind residents that there are humane alternatives when someone can no longer care for an animal.
Lt. Anthony Petron of the Brookhaven Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit said animals should never be discarded in an inhumane manner.
Instead, people can contact animal control, veterinary offices or animal rescue organizations that may be able to take an unwanted or abandoned animal.
Meanwhile, residents continue looking for the missing kitten and hoping it can be found safely. Stewart described the alleged incident as “diabolical” and said she was particularly disturbed because the animals were so young.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think stronger penalties should apply to people convicted of intentionally harming animals? Share your opinion in the comments below.
