Two Cobb County Animal Control employees have been arrested on charges of animal cruelty this month, stirring concern among local residents and animal advocacy groups. Both arrests stem from incidents that occurred within the shelter's walls, suggesting a troubling disregard for the welfare of the animals under their care.
Norman Thomas Kibe, 26, and Josef Limbaga Luague, 28, have each faced the law for separate and egregious acts of violence against animals. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Kibe is accused of slamming a cat against a wall, and on the same day, "forcefully threw" a soft pet carrier with a cat inside. Meanwhile, Luague's charges include the forceful slamming of a dog between a door and a metal cage frame and kicking a dog, as detailed in court documents.
Stephen Hammond, the shelter director, emphasized that such behavior does not represent the entirety of his team's work ethic and dedication. “We’re disappointed that this occurred. We are certainly working to keep anything like this from occurring in the future,” Hammond said in a statement reported by WSB-TV. "They were immediately removed from animal care duties. Neither employee works for us anymore." Both Kibe and Luague were relieved from their duties following their arrest.
The animals involved in the incidents are reportedly doing fine, which meant the animal service workers were charged with misdemeanors.
