Calls for tougher penalties for animal cruelty Annapolis (August 18, 2010) - County Executive John R. Leopold today issued the following statement on charges being brought against Keith Shepherd in the shooting death of Bear-Bear, a husky killed at a private dog park. "I am pleased that charges have been brought in this case," County Executive Leopold said. "At my request, the Police Department initiated further investigation and worked closely with the State’s Attorney’s Office. This shooting shocked the conscience of animal lovers not only in Anne Arundel County, but throughout the country. Our citizens deserve answers and accountability when a dog is shot at a dog park and whenever a firearm is discharged in a public place. I have asked our Office of Law and plan to ask our General Assembly delegation to review options for increasing the maximum penalties for animal cruelty." Shepherd is charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, which is punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail. He is also charged with discharging a firearm within 100 yards of an occupied structure, which is punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail. | 
