OAKLAND, Md. — A Frostburg, Md., man was charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty after police found 10 dogs under his care in Garrett County.
Mark David Shrader, 58, was released on $10,000 bond after being charged Tuesday. According to a news release from the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, officers discovered the large, shepherd-type dogs while investigating a cat complaint June 8.
Officers had a difficult time opening the kennel doors, which had apparently not been opened in a long time. None of the dogs had food. Their living areas consisted primarily of mud and feces.
Most of the dogs’ ribs, vertebrae and pelvic bones could plainly be seen or felt through their fur. Some had obvious ear and eye infections.
The dogs were taken to the Garrett County Animal Shelter, where they were assessed, fed, watered and bathed. They were later taken to HART for Animals, whose veterinarian assessed them. Three dogs were euthanized because of “painful, chronic and severe infections.”
The other seven were adopted or are awaiting adoption at HART for Animals.
