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Charles County man charged with animal cruelty, possible dogfighting
Deputies from the Charles County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a home on Twin Brook Drive following a complaint about numerous dogs at the residence. They discovered three dogs in unsanitary conditions in the garage and two dogs chained outside without proper shelter.
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. - A search warrant executed in Waldorf has unveiled distressing conditions for dogs allegedly involved in animal cruelty and possible dog fighting.
What we know:
Detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office searched a residence on Twinbrook Drive on Sept. 2. On the property, officers reportedly found five dogs in harsh conditions, with three in feces and urine-soaked crates inside a garage and two chained outside without proper shelter. All dogs, appearing to be pit bulls, were taken to a veterinary clinic for evaluation.
Evidence collected included a treadmill with dog toys and large doses of antibiotics. Investigators noted the dogs were extremely thin, had facial cuts and some had heavy chains around their necks. These findings suggest possible dog fighting activities, according to police.
The suspect, Michael Haywood, 47, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including animal cruelty and firearm possession. Despite being prohibited from owning firearms, Haywood had four guns in his residence.
"The investigation into possible dog fighting is ongoing, and additional charges are pending," said Detective K. Dunn.
The full extent of the dog fighting activities and additional charges against Haywood are still under investigation.
On September 2, a district court commissioner released Haywood from the Charles County Detention Center on personal recognizance.
The Source: Information in this article was gathered from the Charles County Sheriff's Office.