Animal Matters Hearing Board Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Animal Matters Hearing Board of Charles County convened on June 2, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM to hear three cases involving potentially dangerous dogs. The board reviewed previous meeting minutes, heard testimony from animal control officers, owners, and a complainant, and issued fines and abatement requirements. All decisions are final and appealable within 30 days to the circuit court.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting (motion made, seconded, and carried unanimously).

Case 1: Citation 7579 & 7580 – Peppa and Penelope (Owner: Inca Simone Harrison)

• Animal Control Officer testified that both dogs were impounded on a third impound for Peppa, with expired rabies and licenses. The dogs had been deemed potentially dangerous on February 17, 2026. Citations included run at large, failure to provide rabies proof, failure to comply with dangerous animal regulations, and third impound (Peppa).
• Owner Harrison stated the dogs escaped because a child left the door ajar. She acknowledged the lapse in licenses and rabies and expressed intent to reclaim the dogs and comply fully.
• The board found Harrison in violation on all counts for both citations. For Citation 7579 (Peppa): fines totaling $450 (including $50 for license, $50 at large, $150 rabies, $200 failure to comply) with $400 held in abeyance for one year, plus $455 animal care fee due by noon June 3. For Citation 7580 (Penelope): same fines and abeyance, plus $455 care fee, and the previous $300 abeyance from February remains until August 17, 2026. Motion carried (7 ayes, 1 nay). The board warned that if the dogs are seized again, euthanasia is likely.

Case 2: File 26-06 – Rocky (Owner: Kathy Franklin)

• Complainant Andrea Stark testified that her dog Scooby was attacked twice by neighbor’s dog Rocky: first on February 7, 2026, at a fire department, and again on April 16, 2026, in her own yard. Both attacks caused puncture wounds and vet visits. Animal control was called both times.
• Owner Kathy Franklin explained the second incident (she adopted Rocky after the first attack). She stated Rocky slipped out a door and attacked before she could intervene. She is installing a fence. Franklin noted she paid Rocky’s medical expenses.
• The board deemed Rocky dangerous and vicious under 12.5A2 and A3, not potentially dangerous (12.5C). Fines: $200 for injuring a domestic animal, $200 for known vicious nature, total $400, with $300 held in abeyance for six months and $100 due within 30 days. The board also imposed standard abatements (e.g., enclosure, leash). Motion carried after a reconsideration to correct the abeyance amount. Franklin agreed to comply.

Case 3: Citation 7578 – Max (Owner: Omar Ventura, via interpreter)

• Animal Control Officer testified that on May 13, 2026, a K9 attacked a cat on the complainant’s property. Video shows the dog repeatedly shaking and slamming the cat, which has not returned. The dog, Max, belongs to Omar Ventura.
• Complainant Christian Amaya (through interpreter) stated the dog is always tied up but escapes; this is the third time. He expressed concern for a baby in the household.
• Owner Ventura stated the dog was chained but got loose; he was unaware of the four-hour tether limit. He will stop tethering overnight.
• The board found Ventura in violation of 230-12 (animal at large) – $50 fine, and 230-12.5 (dangerous/vicious) – $200 fine, total $250, with $150 held in abeyance for six months and $100 due within 30 days. Standard abatements apply. The board warned that future incidents could lead to seizure and euthanasia.

Key Outcomes

• All three owners were found in violation of county animal regulations.
• Total fines imposed: $1,050 in immediate payments (not all due today – some within 30 days), with $850 held in abeyance across all cases.
• Animal care fees of $910 for Peppa and Penelope must be paid by noon June 3, 2026.
• Each dog must comply with abatement requirements (fencing, leash, no chaining over 4 hours, etc.). Animal Control will conduct follow-up inspections.
• The board acknowledged the need to revise the citizen complaint form to clarify dangerous/vicious vs. potentially dangerous language; an administrative meeting will be scheduled.
• Meeting adjourned after no further business.