Charles County Animal Matter Hearing Board Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Charles County Animal Matter Hearing Board convened on July 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM (UTC) to hear three citation cases involving dangerous animals, administer oaths to new board members, and elect officers. The board found two dog owners in violation of county ordinances, imposing fines and abatement conditions.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting (June 16, 2026) with no corrections via unanimous vote.

Discussion Items

Case 7636: Animal Control v. Shanika Walston (Rocky)

• Officer Hannah Neal testified that on July 5, 2026, Rocky, a canine owned by Shanika Walston, attacked and bit a juvenile on the right shoulder at 2443 Richmond Way. The incident was captured on video (Exhibit 1). The juvenile's uncle, Joanna Parada, and father, Richard Parada, described the child's recovery. Officer Neal noted that Rocky had been avoidant at the shelter and that Ms. Walston accepted citation 7636 and waived her right to 14 days. A boarding bill of $290 was presented.
• Ms. Walston testified that Rocky is normally friendly, but she acknowledged the incident and took full accountability. She stated she was in the process of moving to Prince Frederick, Maryland, and planned to have Rocky neutered. She expressed that Rocky is not vicious and should not be euthanized.
• After deliberation, board member Adam (name unclear) moved to find Ms. Walston in violation of Section 230-125 (dangerous and/or vicious or potentially dangerous) with a $300 fine, $200 suspended for six months, and all relevant abatements. The motion passed unanimously.

Cases 7637 & 7638: Animal Control v. Cindy Watts (Shadow and Bella)

• Trainee Officer April Schrader testified that on June 23, 2026, two pitbull-type canines (Shadow and Bella) owned by Cindy Watts attacked and killed a cat at 11830 Millbrun Road. Witness Joseph Lawman provided camera footage and identified the dogs' residence. On July 9, 2026, officers contacted Ms. Watts, who confirmed ownership. Citations were issued for running at large, failure to provide proof of rabies, and dangerous/vicious/potentially dangerous. No quarantine was possible due to time lag.
• Ms. Watts testified that her dogs are not vicious, have been raised with cats, and that she lacks funds for fencing, rabies shots, and spay/neuter. She claimed the dogs escaped due to a toddler opening the door and that she is trying to keep them contained.
• For each dog, the board (motion by board member) found violations of Sections 230-10A (license), 230-12 (animal at large), 230-9A (rabies), and 230-12.5 (dangerous) with a total fine of $450 per dog, $250 suspended for six months, and full abatements. The motions passed unanimously (no opposition recorded).

Election and Administrative Matters

• Two new board members were sworn in, reciting the oath to support the U.S. and Maryland constitutions and adhere to the Charles County Code of Civility.
• The board held elections for chair and vice chair. The chair was elected by written ballot (name not specified). The vice chair position was filled by a subsequent vote; Christy was elected as vice chair.
• Board member Sergeant Cooney and others acknowledged the contributions of departing members and thanked the county attorney's office for facilitating the hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Case 7636: Shanika Walston found in violation; fined $100 (with $200 suspended for six months); Rocky designated dangerous/potentially dangerous; must comply with abatements including microchipping, neutering, muzzling, leashing, and notifying authorities upon relocation. Board bill of $290 due by 12 noon the next day.
• Cases 7637 & 7638: Cindy Watts found in violation for each dog; total fines $400 due immediately ($200 per dog, with $250 per dog suspended for six months); both dogs designated dangerous/potentially dangerous; must comply with full abatements; 45 days to pay fines; animal control will conduct compliance checks.
• The board will next meet on August 4, 2026, in the blue room.