Former Cobb Animal Control Employee Charged in Kennesaw Dog's Death

Credit: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

A former employee of Cobb County Animal Control has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty and obstruction of justice for the death of a dog in his care last month, Cobb police say.

Matthew Dodson of Marietta picked up a dog from the Kennesaw area on July 18 and left it in his truck all day, causing its death. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that Dodson later lied to investigators, claiming the dog had been hit by a car and was dead when he found it.

Animal Control became aware of the discrepancies in Dodson’s story and began investigating on Aug. 5, police said. Dodson resigned from his post at Animal Control before he was arrested on Aug. 20. He was released from jail on a $2,000 bond later that day.

“Cobb County authorities want to reassure our citizens that this type of behavior will never be condoned and that the safety of any animal while in our custody (or otherwise) is paramount,” said police in a statement. “We have met with the owner of the dog, advised them of the results of our investigation and are working with them regarding this tragic situation.”