BROOKHAVEN, Georgia — A 25-year-old woman is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after witnesses watched her throw kittens out of a moving car in broad daylight Wednesday afternoon.
Brookhaven Police responded around 2:30 p.m. to the area of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road after receiving reports of the incident.
Valentina Tobon Henao was identified as the driver of a silver Toyota Sienna seen discarding multiple kittens from the window while traveling along Osborne Road.
A Witness Refused to Look Away
Maria Stewart was driving behind the vehicle when she saw the kittens thrown from the window.
She did not drive away. Instead, she followed the car, photographed the license plate at a red light, and immediately contacted law enforcement.
“It’s nonsensical. It’s diabolical,” Stewart said. “I just think this person’s a monster to have done that. They were tiny little kittens being thrown out of a car.”
Her quick action proved critical. Officers located Henao at a nearby business shortly after and took her into custody. Stewart then identified her during a police drive-by.
One Kitten Dead, One Recovering
Officers discovered one deceased kitten in the roadway near the 2700 block of Osborne Road SE.
A second kitten — just eight weeks old — survived and was taken in by Stewart’s friend, Terri Eden. A veterinarian treated the animal for a dislocated tail and significant trauma.
“He was sedated yesterday, so I think that helped him get through the night,” Eden said. “He’s only eight weeks old and it’s a crazy world out there.”
Search Continues for the Third Kitten
Eden is now leading a search near Brookhaven Park to find the third kitten, whose condition remains unknown.
Henao has since been released on bond and is awaiting her court date. The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Brookhaven Police at 404-637-0600.
What do you think should happen to someone convicted of this? Share your thoughts in the comments.