16 Cats, Dog Rescued From Bel Air Home

Neighbor complaints led to an investigation and seizure of more than a dozen animals at a Bel Air home earlier this month.

Two dead animals were found alongside more than a dozen living cats and dogs. The incident was first reported by CBS Baltimore.

On March 16, Harford County Animal Control executed a warrant at a home in the 2900 block of Lochary Road in Bel Air, according to Richard Lynch, director of the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits which includes animal control.

Animal control found six adult dogs and three puppies outside the home when they arrived. Inside the home were more animals, these living in less humane conditions, according to Lynch.

Along with 15 living cats and kittens and one living dog, animal control found one dead cat and one dead dog, Lynch said.

"It was considered an inhumane situation so those animals were confiscated," Lynch said of the animals inside the home.

The nine outside dogs were allowed to stay on the property, "although there were too many," Lynch said.

In Harford County, if owners have more than five domestic animals they need a special permit.

"There are appropriate charges that will be filing," Lynch said of the March 16 case.

Lynch said the Lochary Road resident had been cited in the past for having too many animals, but that charge was placed on the inactive docket. He said in light of the recent search, the old case will likely be reopened.

Lynch told Patch the incident is not something that is unheard of in Harford County.

"I’d say once or twice a year we’ll run into a hoarding situation," Lynch said, later adding, "We’ve had cases that are much more extreme than this."

He explained these owners are often well-meaning animal lovers who mean no harm.

Lynch went on to say usually an "animal hoarder" can't bear to see an animal taken away with the potential of being euthanized, but then lose track of the animals after taking in more.

"Animal hoarding is a situation where it winds up creating an inhumane situation for animals," Lynch said. "Usually their intentions are well-founded, but they get over their head."