Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Charles County Animal Matters Hearing Board convened on December 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM to address four cases involving animal violations. The board approved previous meeting minutes, heard testimony, and rendered decisions on citations and complaints.
Background: Animal Control Officer testified that on November 20, 2025, they responded to a report that two dogs owned by Mr. Green—Brutus (Cane Corso type) and Rabbit (terrier type)—had attacked a goose on November 17, 2025. The dogs had been previously deemed potentially dangerous on November 4, 2025, with abatement requirements. Officer issued citations for animal at large and failure to comply with regulations for dangerous/potentially dangerous animals.
Testimony: The officer stated that Mr. Green claimed the dogs had not gotten out and denied the attack. Mr. Green testified that Brutus was being bred at the time and that Rabbit may have gotten loose with his daughter. He expressed a desire to reclaim only Brutus and voluntarily surrendered Rabbit to Animal Control during the hearing.
Decision:
Background: Mr. Wiggins filed a complaint alleging that his neighbor’s cat frequently entered his yard and defecated. He provided video evidence of the cat on his property but had only checked the "defecation" box on the complaint form, not the "at-large" box. The respondent was not present.
Testimony: Mr. Wiggins described multiple incidents and stated he had lived there 20 years without issue until the cat appeared. Board members noted that the video showed the cat at large but not defecating, and since only the defecation box was checked, the board could only consider that charge.
Decision: The board dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence. One member voted opposed. Mr. Wiggins was advised to check all applicable boxes if he refiles.
Background: Officer Taman testified that on November 15, 2025, Ms. Maloney’s dog Poncho (a white and tan pit bull type) bit Robin Mudd on the right forearm while both were walking on leash. The bite caused a laceration down to the bone. Ms. Maloney had adopted Poncho two weeks prior. The dog was neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and licensed.
Testimony: Ms. Mudd confirmed the incident occurred without warning. Ms. Maloney stated Poncho was timid around strangers and it was a quick, unusual incident. She had complied with quarantine and kept Poncho secured.
Decision: The board found Ms. Maloney in violation of §230-12.5, deeming Poncho dangerous. The fine was set at $0, with the following abatements:
Background: The complainant was not present for the hearing.
Decision: The board dismissed the case. Motion carried (voice vote).
Good evening. The annual matters hearing board meeting of December 2nd will now come to order. Board has received and reviewed the minutes for we're gonna do November 4th open meeting. Are there any corrections to the November 4th open meeting? I'll entertain a motion that the minutes be approved. I move. That they be approved. Do I have a second? All those in favor? Aye. Aye. For the November 4th closed meeting minutes. Is there any corrections? I entertain a motion the minutes for the closed meeting be approved. I move. All those in favor? Aye. And for the November 18th, 2025 open meeting minutes. Is there any corrections? All right. I will entertain a motion that these minutes be approved. And I still move. Second. And all those in favor? Aye. I'm sorry, who seconded that? I did. You didn't. Due to the serious nature of these cases, the proceedings are being recorded electronically. Please turn off your cell phones and observe proper decorum. Decisions are made based on the quality and credibility of the evidence and testimony offered, not the number of witnesses. All decisions of the board are final may be reviewed only by the circuit court of the and appeal is filed in accordance with the Maryland rules of procedure. Please be mindful of the code of civility and refrain from any name calling and defensive language. Testimony will be limited to three minutes and relevant to the animal matters proceedings. Can we get a roll call starting from the right, please? William Johnson, board member. Sergeant Cooney, Charles County Sheriff's Office Board Member. Karen Williams, board member. Matthew Cook, Chair. Christine Gonzalez, board member. James Sherman, board member. Dr. Michelle Quigley, practicing veterinarian.