A Fulton County man is accused of kicking a puppy in his care at a Johns Creek grooming business where he worked only a few weeks. The incident was captured on video by the shop’s owner, who called police.
Marlon Darell Williams, 22, of Roswell, will be charged with cruelty to animals for the May 8 incident at Unleashed Doggy Day Care on State Bridge Road, according the Johns Creek police report obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Williams was fired for allegedly playing rough with dogs after being warned against it, the business owner told Channel 2 Action News.
But when the owners reviewed surveillance video, they saw Williams allegedly kicking 8-month-old Milo in the chest while several animals were in his care, the report states. He also allegedly slid a child’s play toy across the floor in attempt to “bowl” over other dogs, according to police.
The business owners reported the alleged abuse to police, who also reviewed the videotape.
“What he did violates the law. He abused this animal,” Lt. Chris Byers told Channel 2. “There seems to be no provocation on the part of the animal to elicit the response from this guy.”
Williams is a two-time convicted felon who was released from prison March 1, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Williams served from July to March for his most recent conviction for burglary, records show.
From October 2009 to April 2010, Williams served time following a conviction in Gwinnett County on theft charges, according to the DOC.
The owner of the grooming business, Rick Gimla, told Channel 2 he had given Williams a shot at the job and was shocked at the outcome.
“We’re a thousand percent dedicated to making sure we take care of our dogs,” Gimla said.
Williams had not yet been arrested Monday afternoon.
