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Deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Division of Animal Control responded to a call in the 8300 block of Water Street Road on Saturday, Feb. 11, where there were reports of malnourished and possibly dead dogs at the residence.
According to a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office, while searching the property, investigators found a fenced-in kennel with two separate pens in the backyard with five Mastiff-type dogs that appeared to be starving.
Each pen had three dogs in them, with a dead Mastiff in one of them laying against the fence. Investigators said that while on the scene, officers and deputies “observed the dogs eating the other dog’s feces, as they were so hungry,” among other atrocities
During a sweep of the property, two other dead dogs were found in trash bags outside and in front of the kennel.
Officials say that officers removed the five remaining dogs and three dead bodies and they were transported to the Frederick County Animal Control Center. One of the living dogs was taken to a local animal hospital for examination and treatment, “as it could barely stand or walk.”
After spending the night receiving care from veterinarians, the dog was released from the hospital on Sunday, Feb. 12.
No information about the dogs’ owners or the property owner was released by the sheriff’s office. The investigation is ongoing.
“The investigation into the welfare of the dogs is active and ongoing,” Frederick County Division of Animal Control Director David Luckenbaugh said. “The five dogs currently at the Animal Control Center are doing well and receiving individualized care.”
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