An anonymous citizen advised there were two dogs at the residence without food or water and appeared to be in poor health.
The owner of the dogs was later identified as Mark Anthony Richardson, 23, of Lexington Park.
Upon arrival at the residence, police observed a black and white male pit bull terrier in a wire mesh enclosure and a female brindle mastiff on a cable tie down on opposite sides of the yard.
The male Pit bull had no food or water in the enclosure and the ground inside the enclosure was barren.
The female Mastiff was in full sun with only a small plastic igloo style shelter for shade. The female Mastiff had a small amount of water in a steel cooking pot. The female Mastiff also had another black cooking pot near her which had a small amount of dog food in it however it was out of reach of the dog.
Both of the dogs were taken by animal control and transported to the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville, to be seen by a veterinarian.
On August 30, 2016 police received a report from the veterinarian, stating both dogs were reportedly half the weight of what would be deemed healthy.
The male also showed signs of wear on his teeth, which is often seen in prolonged chewing on metal objects. The female showed signs of malnutrition and was recommended to be fed as often and as much as
possible to regain a healthy weight.
On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, a criminal summons for Mark Anthony Richardson for two counts each of Animal Cruelty and Animal Cruelty-Failure to Provide was issued, as of Sunday, September 18, 2016, the summons had not been served.
(SMNewsNet.conm - September 19, 2016)
