The remains of a dog, a cat and seven birds were taken from the Hagerstown home of a man who was sentenced to supervised probation about five years ago on animal cruelty charges, according to the Humane Society of Washington County.
John Lestitian, chief inspector for the City of Hagerstown, said 115 Wakefield Road was condemned after he and three other inspectors investigating a complaint of an odor at the home executed an administrative warrant Monday.
The Humane Society said in a press release that nine live dogs and two live cats were taken from the home. Two of the dogs were taken to a local veterinarian for fight-related injuries.
"The urine and the feces throughout the structure led to our determination that the place needs to be condemned," Lestitian said.
Kenneth Green Jr., who owns the property, according to state tax records, appeared to be living in the home, Lestitian said.
Green, who faced 37 counts of animal cruelty in 2002, was sentenced to probation after he entered seven Alford pleas to charges that he did not provide adequate care to animals. Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the state has sufficient evidence to gain a conviction.
Green said he was housing the dogs for Second Chance Rescue in Inwood, W.Va., and Safe Haven Dog Rescue in Martinsburg, W.Va., the Humane Society's press release says.
The Herald-Mail has reported that Berkeley County Animal Control seized 149 dogs from Second Chance Rescue last year. Mara Spade, the facility's owner, is charged with one count of animal cruelty.
Lestitian said Tuesday that he expects a contractor to begin cleaning the home today. Green will be charged for the costs of the work, and the home will remain condemned.
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This is truely a person that should never own any animals again. There's people that really love animals, but some seem to go way over board. At the cost of the animals life. I think the Washington County Human Society needs to do more. I'm not sure what the limit of animals you can have per household, but I do know Frederick County said you can only have 9 per household, which I think that's way to much for anyone.
The house next door to me, when the people moved out they left a dog in there. After about a week, I call the Human Society and nothing was done about it. Of course they came and left a note but that's was about it. After about 2 or 3 weeks, someone finally came back and gave the dog up. There's a lot of dogs in my area, that are kept on chains all day long 24/7. When you have a fence in yard, why keep a dog chain up? Better yet, when even own a dog. Makes me sick.
Full Version: Animals Seized; House Condemned
Wow, this behavior is sad in many ways. If family is not available to monitor, the behavior can repeat, & escalate. Then it gets difficult and costly to the community to treat. Hagerstown's Code enforcement does a great job in this arena. They go in when no one else knows what to do.
Animal Horders exist in almost every community, large or small, rural or urban. Some may be overwhelmed by sudden family and financial changes, causing them to temporaily loose sight of their limits. The overwhelmed horders are aware there is a problem, and willing to make changes, if given help. They will respond to concern by neighbors, and if needed, outside enforcement agencies.
The chronic rescue horders are different, they are in a state of denial that prevents them from seeing the filth or understanding their animals are sick, dying or dead. Some have a strong mission to help animals. A small fraction is labled as exploiters and may be in it for profit.
It is the chronic rescue horder that we hear about. They mean well but loose touch with reality of the situation. Initially, they think they are helping but if it is a mental health issue, they quickly spiral into chronic rescue hording. They continue to acquire animals, while their home sinks into disrepair & filth.These are the horders on the news. They have an excessive # of animals and limited space, means, and no plan. They are often unaware of the problem. UGH
Animal Horders exist in almost every community, large or small, rural or urban. Some may be overwhelmed by sudden family and financial changes, causing them to temporaily loose sight of their limits. The overwhelmed horders are aware there is a problem, and willing to make changes, if given help. They will respond to concern by neighbors, and if needed, outside enforcement agencies.
The chronic rescue horders are different, they are in a state of denial that prevents them from seeing the filth or understanding their animals are sick, dying or dead. Some have a strong mission to help animals. A small fraction is labled as exploiters and may be in it for profit.
It is the chronic rescue horder that we hear about. They mean well but loose touch with reality of the situation. Initially, they think they are helping but if it is a mental health issue, they quickly spiral into chronic rescue hording. They continue to acquire animals, while their home sinks into disrepair & filth.These are the horders on the news. They have an excessive # of animals and limited space, means, and no plan. They are often unaware of the problem. UGH
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