On August 8, 2024, in response to a citizen’s complaint of inhumane conditions, Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Animal Control Officers executed a Search Warrant in the 500 block of W. Jarrettsville Road as part of a continuing investigation into Animal Cruelty.
Since 2015, Animal Control Officers and Deputies have responded to citizen complaints at this same address over 29 times to investigate the welfare of animals on the property. These calls for service came from neighbors and citizens concerned about the welfare of the animals. In response to these calls for service, Animal Control issued written warnings for violations and a handful of verbal warnings for violations of Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-604 Abuse or neglect of animal(s) due to the owner failing to provide veterinary care and failure to provide proper shelter. Animal Control Officers have also issued citations to the property owner, who was previously convicted of Animal Cruelty in 2021.
The most recent investigation began on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, when Animal Control Officers responded to the property for a humane check after receiving new complaints about the welfare of animals on the property. Upon arrival, Animal Control Officers observed several violations of Criminal Law Title 10 Section 604 and 605, related to the mistreatment of animals and abuse or neglect. On that day, two noticeable violations were the lack of potable water, and animals walking with a severe limp, with one seriously injured. An Animal Control Officer spoke with the property owner about the conditions observed, including the injuries, as well as the debris and mud in the troughs. The owner was instructed to have the injured animals seen by a Maryland licensed veterinarian within 24 hours, and pursuant to a two-day mandate called for in State Code, the rest of the herd were required to be inspected and treated by a licensed veterinarian.
On July 18, the owner took the injured animals to a local veterinarian and due to the severity of injuries, emaciated state, and overall conditions reported the owner had the two ewes euthanized. In addition, the owner had not made arrangements for the mandated inspection and was offered an extension by the Animal Control Officer to comply. A date for the inspection was set for July 22.
During the July 22 inspection, the pen now included goats and pigs in addition to the sheep. The Maryland State licensed veterinarian on site noted multiple concerns related to the conditions on the property and the condition and welfare of the animals and gave two-week’s time to make appropriate accommodations for the animals. While on scene, the veterinarian asked to inspect a separate pen on the back of the property. In that 10×10 metal pen, five sheep and four chickens were located with no shelter, bedding, or water. It was explained to the owner that he would be allotted the two-weeks, per State Code, to fix the deficiencies, or the animals would be seized and removed from the property.
On August 5, Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Animal Control Officers arrived at the property to inspect for compliance with State Code. At this time, it was noted that the necessary and required corrective actions instructed during the first inspection, had not been addressed. Additionally, more animals had been added to the pen. The owner indicated he was going to sell off part of the herd. Later that day, a 24-hour notice required by statute was tagged on the property.
On August 6, during the final state mandated inspection, the property was still not in compliance with the law or instructions provided by the veterinarian. At the time, a search and seizure warrant was obtained through the Circuit Court of Maryland.
On August 8, 2024, Deputies and Animal Control Officers served the warrant at the property. As a result of the warrant’s execution, and by order of a Harford County licensed veterinarian and with continued concern for the welfare of the remaining animals, 40 animals were removed and taken to a local shelter for proper medical care. Due to poor health, two pigs were euthanized on scene by the owner.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call 410-638-3505. Those who wish to remain anonymous, may report their information through Metro Crime Stoppers Tipline at 1-866-7Lockup.