18 Dogs Recovered in Salisbury Animal Welfare Investigation

SALISBURY, Md. – The Humane Society of Wicomico County has received 18 dogs after they were seized from a Salisbury residence following an animal welfare investigation on Tuesday.

Officials say the investigation first began on Friday, Aug. 29, after Animal Control of Wicomico County received a complaint concerning the welfare and living conditions of numerous dogs on a property in the 300 block of West Naylor Mill Road.

Following days of coordinating necessary resources, Wicomico County Animal Control officers responded to the property on Sept. 1. Upon arrival around 11:50 a.m., officers located two residents in a shed on the property with two adult dogs. Due to the conditions immediately observed, animal control officers requested assistance from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico County Code Enforcement, and City of Salisbury Animal Control.

Several dogs were located running loose throughout the property, and observed to be living in unsanitary conditions. Further, many of the dogs also appeared to be in poor physical condition. Upon entering the main residence on the property, authorities observed more unsanitary conditions, and several other dogs.

The humane society says the majority of dogs seized from the property were Springer Spaniel mixes, consisting of both puppies and adults. Seventeen dogs were trapped on Sept. 1, and an additional dog was trapped the following day. At this time, four additional dogs remain at large on the property, and efforts to catch them are ongoing. All of the recovered dogs are currently receiving veterinary examinations and are in the care of the Humane Society of Wicomico County. Once the dogs have been medically cleared and determined ready for placement, they will be made available for adoption.

As the Humane Society of Wicomico County continues their efforts to help the recovered dogs, they are asking for monetary donations to help support veterinary care, food, medications, and other needed resources. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.

WMDT has reached out to Wicomico Sheriff Mike Lewis for comment, and will have more on this story tonight on WMDT News at 5:30p & 6p.