Md. humane society: Health of 300-plus dogs seized top priority

SALISBURY, Md. — Three-hundred plus dogs continue to receive care and love on the Eastern Shore after being removed from a local home.

Wicomico County leaders stood at the humane society Wednesday, a week after the animals were taken and an investigation began.

“We are very, very concerned about this case,” Maryland state’s attorney Matthew Maciarello said, the sound of dogs barking ringing out behind him. “It’s almost like a large child abuse case.”

Maciarello, county executive Bob Culver, Lt. Tim Robinson, humane society director Aaron Balsamo and assistant state's attorney Clay Groton stood outside the center Wednesday afternoon to discuss the ongoing investigation where hundreds of small dogs were seized.

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Animal control, along with the sheriff’s office, conducted a kennel check April 6. The day was a 14-hour day, Robinson said during the press conference.

The dogs have been placed in the Wicomico shelter along with surrounding shelters, and they’re working to get the dogs checked and evaluated. Many have matted fur.

Wednesday, they could not go into whether or not any of the animals would have to be put down. The goal is to help them all get healthy, and eventually adopt them out.

"The theme is, the dogs come first," Maciarello said.

The shelter has seen an overwhelming influx of donations since the case became public. Tuesday, there was a constant stream of community members coming in and out of the building, bringing food, towels and other supplies with them.

“It’s overwhelming, and it means a lot,” Balsamo said of the community support they’ve seen. “We will do everything in our power to get them the care that they need.”

Maciarello could not speak much on the investigation during the conference, because the case is ongoing.

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And though members of the community asked Wednesday if this had been previously brought to the county’s attention, Maciarello said that wasn’t what they were focusing on now.

They’re focused on helping the dogs the best they can.

The dogs are not yet up for adoption. Balsamo said that is another thing they won’t be rushing — they want all of the dogs to be taken care of before looking for forever homes for them.

Balsamo talked about the importance of the community keeping their eyes open.

"We need the public’s help to let us know if they see something wrong,” he said Tuesday. “Animals do matter.”

While they've been so thankful for the donations, at this point, the shelter needs more things like cleaning supplies. They've asked people to not donate any more dry dog food or newspaper.

Monetary donations can be made from the Humane Society’s webpage using the Pay Pal link on www.wicomicohumane.org.

The humane society has said not to use other websites. This ensures the funds come directly to the Humane Society of Wicomico County.

The funds will be used for the overwhelming expenses of medications, grooming, and other care for the animals.

Follow Emily Chappell on Twitter: @EmilyChappell13