Animal Cruelty Trial Begins For HoCo Woman With Pets In Freezer

COLUMBIA, MD — The animal cruelty trial for Elizabeth Lindenau began Tuesday in Howard County. Lindenau faces 17 counts of animal cruelty, including failure to provide animals with food, water, air, space and veterinary care.

In July 2019, Howard County Animal Control was summoned to the home of Lindenau and Brady Decker, located in the 9400 block of Hundred Drums Row, after receiving an anonymous call about a "horrible stench" coming from the home. The caller thought it was caused by dog feces. Animal control officers attempted to contact the couple, but they refused to speak to them or allow the officers inside.

Animal control officers obtained a warrant to enter the home and once inside, they discovered urine, waste and 42 dead birds and other small animals in the couple's freezers. There were 59 animals living inside, including 39 birds, 11 dogs, 5 cats, 2 snakes and 2 turtles. The home also was described by officers as cluttered with household items. The living animals were take by animal control and the couple was charged.