HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced a significant development in an ongoing animal cruelty investigation in Forest Hill. Deputies and Animal Control Officers executed a search warrant at a property on W. Jarrettsville Road on August 8, following repeated complaints of inhumane conditions.
Since 2015, the site has been the focus of over 29 investigations by authorities due to concerns about animal welfare.
The property owner, previously convicted of animal cruelty in 2021, has received numerous citations and warnings for failing to provide adequate care and shelter to the animals.
The situation escalated on July 17, 2024, after new complaints led Animal Control to discover multiple violations, including animals without potable water and suffering from severe injuries.
Despite directives to seek immediate veterinary care for the injured animals, further inspections revealed continued non-compliance.
During a follow-up on August 5, officials found the property still did not meet legal standards, leading to the issuance of a final 24-hour notice. A subsequent inspection on August 6 confirmed the ongoing neglect, prompting the issuance of a search and seizure warrant.
On August 8, 40 animals were removed from the property due to unsuitable living conditions, and two pigs were euthanized on site due to poor health. The animals were relocated to a local shelter for proper medical care, addressing urgent welfare concerns.