More than 100 dogs and puppies rescued from alleged neglect at a residence

More than 100 dogs and puppies were rescued from an alleged large-scale neglect case at a breeder’s home in Harford County, Maryland, on August 27, 2025. According to a news report by Humane World for Animals, a global animal welfare organization, local authorities found the animals living in unsanitary, cramped conditions, with some being emaciated and in need of veterinary care.

Around 7 AM on August 27, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office executed a search and seizure warrant at the property, with Humane World for Animals assisting with the rescue. The welfare organization reported strong ammonia and fecal odors throughout the residence. Rescuers found some dogs roaming throughout the residence, whereas other dogs were confined to stacked wire-bottom cages without visible access to food or water. Several dogs were kept in 1-ft by 1-ft, 6-in cages in groups of 2 to 3.

"It's an overwhelming, heartbreaking scene. You couldn't walk a few feet without stepping around dogs or slipping in their waste," Stacy Volodin, Maryland state director for Humane World for Animals, said in the report.1 "We are grateful to the Harford County Sheriff's Office for their work to investigate and intervene in this situation."

Authorities also found a mother dog in a whelping box nursing 3-week-old puppies near a recently deceased puppy. Some of the neonates showed signs of urine scalding. According to the report, veterinarians observed several dogs with dental abscesses, eye discharge, and skin infections. Many dogs were also underweight, with some emaciated and severely matted.

"Our Animal Control Unit plays a vital role in protecting the health and safety of both animals and our community," Jeffrey Gahler, Harford County sheriff, said.1 "Through strong partnerships with local organizations like Humane World for Animals and our local humane society, as well as engaged citizens, we're able to respond compassionately to situations where animals are at risk. Together, we can work to see that every animal in Harford County is treated with dignity and care."

According to Humane World for Animals, the dogs came from a Havanese and Biewer terrier breeding operation that has historically advertised breeding parents with American Kennel Club (AKC) titles. Humane World for Animals said this case underscores that photos, AKC pedigrees, and assurances from pet stores or online platforms cannot guarantee that a puppy received proper care.1

Following their rescue, the animals were moved to an undisclosed location where responders and volunteers with Humane World for Animals are providing veterinary care. According to the organization, RedRover Responders volunteers are also helping with the animals’ daily care.

The case is not the first dog rescue in Harford County this year. Earlier this summer, local officials rescued 44 bully-type breed dogs at a residence in the county.

Authorities initiated an animal cruelty investigation after receiving a report of inhumane conditions at a residence in the area on July 17, 2025. Six days later, the county’s sheriff’s office led a search warrant on the property.2

Upon entry, animal control officers observed a lack of access to water, improper shelter, poor air quality, and insufficient space. According to a news release by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the property did not have enough ventilation and temperature controls in the areas where the dogs were being housed.2 Moreover, bedding in the kennels was also “extremely” soiled.2

“Upon arrival, animal control officers observed multiple violations of Maryland Criminal Law [Title 10, Section 604] and Harford County Code [Section 64-18], pertaining to the mistreatment, abuse, or neglect of animals,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release.2

The dogs have since been safely transported to a local shelter for evaluation and care, according to the sheriff’s office.2

References

1. 'An overwhelming, heartbreaking scene:' over 100 dogs and puppies rescued from alleged neglect at Havanese breeder's residence in Harford County, Maryland. News release. Humane World for Animals. August 27, 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/news/harford-county-dog-rescue-havanese-breeder-neglect
2. Animal cruelty investigation leads to a major dog rescue in Whiteford. Harford County Sheriff’s Office. News release. July 17, 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://harfordsheriff.org/news/releases/animal-cruelty-investigation-leads-to-major-dog-rescue-in-whiteford/