Charles County Animal Matters Hearing Board Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Animal Matters Hearing Board met on January 6, 2026, to hear four animal control matters: two citations brought by Animal Control, one private neighbor complaint, and a third citation requiring interpretation for a Spanish-speaking respondent. The board approved prior meeting minutes, received sworn testimony from officers, victims, an animal owner, and staff, and issued findings and directives. Board decisions are final and appealable to the Circuit Court within 30 days.

Minutes Approval

• The board approved the minutes of the December 16, 2025 meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Case 1: Citation 7562 – Animal Control v. Molly John Murphy

• Animal Control Officer Ingram testified that on December 3, 2025, at approximately 12:44 p.m., he responded to 3949 Shaftsbury Court, White Plains, for a cat running at large. Owner Molly John Murphy said she let her cat outside to use the bathroom.
• Neighbor Tony Wiggins testified this was his second appearance; he had reported the cat and also defecation issues. On December 5, 2025, Wiggins found the black-and-white cat in a trap. The cat was transported to the Charles County Animal Care Center (profile no. 7736) and records showed Murphy had previously reclaimed the cat.
• Murphy did not appear at the hearing. Officer Ingram issued citation 7562 for failure to obtain an individual license, animal at large, and failure to provide proof of current rabies vaccination; the cat was reclaimed on December 9, 2025.
• When a board member asked whether the later-obtained license and rabies vaccination should waive the fines, the staff attorney said no because the action was forced through the reclaim process, and the owner did not appear.
• Board finding: violation of 230-10A (individual license) $50 fine; 230-12 (animal at large) $50 fine; 230-9A (rabies proof) $150 fine; total $250. Referral to the State's Attorney's office for failure to appear.

Case 2: File 2522 – Tony Wiggins v. Molly Murphy Heisler

• Tony Wiggins filed a private complaint concerning cat defecation on his property. During discussion, the board noted the complaint referenced the same December 3 trap incident already addressed in citation 7562 and that a second finding on the same incident would be unjust.
• Wiggins testified he had witnessed feces but could not prove which cat was responsible. Board members found his testimony credible but stated they could not assume the trapped cat caused the defecation.
• Board voted to dismiss file 2522. Wiggins was told he could come back if the problem continues with new dates.

Case 3: Citation 7557 – Animal Control v. Henry Earl Rasco

• Animal Control Officer Donald Murphy testified that on December 3, 2025, at approximately 9:47 a.m., a leashed dog named Cash was attacked by an unleashed Akita-type dog on Tyoga Lane, White Plains. Cash sustained puncture wounds to the leg, shoulder, and near the eye.
• Victims Therese Hill Zachary and Trayland Zachary testified that the Akita came from nowhere, was not on a leash, and followed them home. Cash required veterinary surgery for three sutured wounds: two on the right side approximately 3–4 centimeters and one on the left approximately 3 centimeters, plus antibiotics, pain medication, and a 10-day quarantine.
• Investigation identified Henry Earl Rasco Jr. as the owner of the Akita, Kane. Rasco testified he was unaware Kane had gotten out. Lt. Katie Rochet presented a county license issued January 5, 2026, and a rabies certificate expiring January 4, 2027; board members observed the license and vaccination appeared to post-date the December 3 incident.
• Board motion initially proposed a $500 fine for 230-12.5 dangerous/potentially dangerous, with $300 held in abeyance; the board amended it to $400 held in abeyance for 9 months.
• Board finding: violations of 230-10A (individual license) $0 fine; 230-12 (animal at large) $50 fine; 230-9A (rabies proof) $0 fine; 230-12.5 (dangerous/potentially dangerous) $500 fine with $400 held in abeyance for 9 months. Total due: $150, payable in 45 days. Abatements E1–E8 and G were ordered, and Animal Control will inspect compliance.

Case 4: Citation 7498 – Animal Control v. Daisy Dell Cedreo

• With the assistance of a Spanish interpreter, Officer Amanda Brown testified that on December 22, 2025, she responded to the Stoddard Middle School area for a canine running at large, picked up a female German Shepherd named Kimba, and was told by shelter staff that this was Kimba's third impoundment within 12 months.
• Owner Daisy Dell Cedreo testified through the interpreter that she let Kimba out to use the bathroom but forgot her while running errands; Kimba is hyperactive and would not come back. Cedreo said the side fence is low enough for Kimba to jump, the electric collar was not working, and she is not working so the reclaim fees are difficult.
• Chief Jeffrey Thomas testified that the current reclaim bill in County Exhibit 2 was $500, and a payment plan might be available.
• Board finding: violation of 230-12 (animal at large) $50 fine, held in abeyance for 2 months; violation of 230-12.6 (third impoundment within 12 months) no additional fine; respondent must pay the $500 reclaim fees. The $50 fine is waived if no further hearing occurs within 2 months; the reclaim fee must still be paid.

Key Outcomes

• Approved December 16, 2025 minutes.
• Citation 7562: Molly John Murphy ordered to pay $250 in fines; case referred to the State's Attorney's office for failure to appear.
• File 2522: Tony Wiggins's complaint dismissed; no findings.
• Citation 7557: Henry Earl Rasco ordered to pay $150; $400 of the dangerous-dog fine held in abeyance for 9 months; abatements and inspections ordered.
• Citation 7498: Daisy Dell Cedreo's $50 animal-at-large fine held in abeyance for 2 months; $500 reclaim fees ordered; possible payment plan.