100-Plus Animals Removed From Nonprofit Shelter In Columbia: HCPD

COLUMBIA, MD — More than 100 animals were removed from the Animal Welfare Society of Howard County Friday after a tip from a concerned citizen about poor conditions at the facility, according to police. The tip indicated that there was "overcrowding, foul odor and a lack of cleanliness" at the nonprofit, according to the Howard County Police Department.

The citizen contacted Howard County Animal Control on Thursday, May 9, and officers visited the facility with a warrant on Friday, May 10.

Inside the facility at 8556 Davis Road in Columbia, animal control officers said they found many animals in poor health, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds. While police estimated that there were more than 100, the total number of animals has not yet been confirmed, officials reported Friday afternoon.

Animal control officers moved the pets from the Animal Welfare Society of Howard County to the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center, located nearby at 8576 Davis Road. That facility is run by the county.

There, the pets are receiving veterinary care. Afterward, officials will determine whether they may be healthy enough for adoption.

To help care for the animals, the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center is accepting the following forms of donations:

• Money
• Pet food (cat, dog, rabbit, bird, guinea pig)
• Pet bedding

The Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center is at 8576 Davis Road in Columbia.