An instance of animal cruelty in St. Mary’s County.
Following a thorough investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department, deputies executed a search and seizure warrant on Wednesday at a residence in the 30000 block of Gershwin Road in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.
Deputies arrived at the scene and discovered that the residents were performing illegal procedures on dogs.
Officials seized 36 dogs from what they described as dangerous and unhealthy living conditions.
According to authorities, many of the dogs were malnourished, underweight, and did not receive medical care.
All of the animals were transported to the St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption and Resource Care Center for assessment and treatment.
Deputies also arrested Kelvin Lovern Shepard, 51, and Tiasha Parrish, 35, on charges of aggravated animal cruelty, animal cruelty, and unlawful dog surgery.
Shepard was also charged with illegally possessing a firearm after deputies discovered a 9mm handgun and ammunition.