Mother, Son Charged With Animal Cruelty

An Anne Arundel County woman and her adult son were arrested Wednesday on animal cruelty charges in the alleged abuse and neglect of 21 malnourished and flea-infested dogs found living in their home, authorities said.

Janet Taylor, 51, and her son, Jeffrey Taylor, 38, of Orchard Beach were arrested shortly after noon Wednesday and each charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty and 21 counts of inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal, according to the office of County Executive John R. Leopold.

Last month, Animal Control rescued 21 dogs from the Taylors' home in the 7900 block of Seabreeze Drive after receiving a complaint from a neighbor. The house was condemned.

One of the dogs was euthanized "due to the extent of its neglect," authorities said. The others are being treated at Animal Control until they are healthy enough for adoption.

"This is a horrific case of animal cruelty and neglect, and the charges are fitting of the crime," Leopold said. "The condition of the home from which these animals were rescued was deplorable and unfit for animals or people."