Annapolis, Maryland (September 9, 2009) - Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold today supported the arrest and criminal charges of animal abuse and neglect against a Pasadena woman and her son. "This is a horrific case of animal cruelty and neglect, and the charges are fitting of the crime," County Executive Leopold said. "The condition of the home from which these animals were rescued was deplorable and unfit for animals or people." Janet Taylor and her son, Jeffrey Taylor were arrested and charged with 42 counts each of animal cruelty and inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal. Last month, Anne Arundel Animal Control rescued 21 dogs from the Taylor’s home at 7915 Seabreeze Drive in Pasadena. If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty subject to imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or a fine not to exceed $1,000 or both. The animals were suffering from a multitude of ailments, including malnutrition, flea infestation, and worms. One of the animals had to be euthanized due to the extent of its neglect. The others are being treated at Animal Control and through foster care until they are healthy enough to be adopted. In August, County Executive Leopold appointed 16 citizens to serve on the Animal Welfare Council which has been tasked with several responsibilities, including keeping in touch with the animal issues in the community, reviewing rules and regulations for pets and developing public education efforts on a host of items such as keeping your dog on a leash, cleaning up after your pet and reporting animal abuse or neglect to authorities. | 
