43 dogs, other animals seized from Sharptown property amid animal cruelty investigation
SALISBURY, Md. – More than 50 animals were removed from a Sharptown property this week after authorities executing a search warrant found dozens of dogs living in unsanitary conditions without adequate access to water during extreme summer heat, officials said.
According to a joint news release from the Humane Society of Wicomico County, Wicomico County Animal Control, City of Salisbury Animal Control and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were serving a warrant on a property in the 26,000 block of State Street on Friday, July 17, when they requested assistance from animal control.
Authorities said deputies discovered 43 dogs of various breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs and Jack Russell Terriers, inside a pole barn. Officials said the animals were being housed in unsanitary conditions, lacked adequate access to water and were suffering from the extreme summer heat.
Investigators also reported an overwhelming odor of ammonia inside the structure, which they said indicated prolonged exposure to unclean conditions.
Due to concerns for the animals’ health and safety, authorities seized 43 dogs, three cats, five chickens and one turtle from the property. The animals were transported to the Humane Society of Wicomico County, where staff, volunteers and the shelter veterinarian worked late into the evening evaluating each animal, documenting their condition and providing emergency medical care.
Officials said most of the animals have since been signed over to the Humane Society of Wicomico County and are expected to become available for adoption after completing medical treatment and behavioral evaluations.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities said criminal charges are pending. No additional information is being released while the investigation continues.
The Humane Society credited the coordinated efforts of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico County Animal Control, City of Salisbury Animal Control, shelter staff, volunteers and veterinary personnel for ensuring the animals received immediate care following the rescue.
