Following an extensive investigation, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office executed a search and seizure warrant on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at a residence in the 30000 block of Gershwin Road in Charlotte Hall, MD, in connection with a suspected animal cruelty case.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the residents of the house had been performing illegal procedures on the dogs, and evidence of these procedures was recovered at the scene.
Officers from the Animal Services Division of St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services seized 36 dogs living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Many of the dogs appeared malnourished, underweight, and lacking medical care. The rescued animals were transported to the St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption and Resource Care Center for evaluation and treatment.
Kelvin Lovern Shepherd, 51, and Dominique Tiasha Parrish, 35, both of Charlotte Hall, were taken into custody and face multiple charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, animal cruelty, and unlawful surgery on a dog.
During the search, deputies also discovered a Ruger 9mm handgun and ammunition. Shepherd, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction for a disqualifying crime of violence, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
This case remains under investigation.
