FREDERICK, Md. — A Maryland man will serve 30 days in prison for aggravated animal cruelty.
Anthony Houston Smith II was sentenced to six years, suspending all but 30 days in jail on Wednesday morning.
On February 11, 2023, a Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to Smith’s home for a call claiming “dogs were being starved and possibly dead on the property.” A search of the property was conducted by Animal Control and the Deputy after receiving consent from Smith.
During the search, authorities found five dogs that appeared to be starving and struggling for water. An additional three dogs were found deceased on the property. Two of the three dead dogs were found in trash bags.
Of the five starving dogs, four were taken to a shelter. The remaining one was taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
In May 2023, Smith was charged with 23 counts of animal cruelty. On January 29, Smith entered an Alford plea to two counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty. An Alford plea, also known as a “best-interests plea” allows the defendant to plead guilty and accept a plea bargain even if they claim they are innocent.
In addition to 30 days in jail, Smith also received three years of supervised probation with special terms:
Do not acquire any additional pets
Compliance checks to be done by animal control
Enroll in any other programs recommended by the supervising agent
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