County Executive Supports Stronger Penalties for Animal Cruelty

Supporters of animal rights were out in numbers this afternoon as State Delegate Robert Costa (District 33B, Anne Arundel County) presented a bill harshening the penalty for those found guilty of animal cruelty. 

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold and co-owner of “Bear Bear” Ryan Rettaliata were sitting alongside bill sponsor Delegate Costa as it was presented to the House Judiciary Committee.

Costa presented the sponsored bill HB 294, Abuse or Neglect of Animals – Use of Handgun, Rifle or Other Weapons – Penalties in Annapolis. 

Many will remember the headline grabbing story of the dog shooting that occurred last August at Quail Run Community Dog Park in Severn. Sgt. Keith Shepherd entered the dog park with his German Shepherd “Asia” with a handgun on his person. Shortly after entering the park, Bear Bear and Asia were interacting when Shepherd discharged his weapon, killing Bear Bear.

“Whether [Shepherd's] intent was to kill or not kill Bear Bear is unclear, the end result is that he did kill my dog,” Rettaliata testified before the committee.

During questioning from the committee Rettaliata responded to the question, "Is shooting a dog any different from the other types of animal abuse that have occurred recently in the area?"

“My wife and I are recently married without any children of our own, Bear Bear was going to be the dog that helped us grow our family and that just won't happen now. This dog was like a child for us and it is different,” said Rettaliata.

“This is a step in the right direction but it does not make this experience go away. We have adopted two more Siberian Husky's and are moving forward,” he said.

“The dog park is a community meeting place to catch up on your day with friends and I continue to go to the park. I'm defiant like that,” Rettaliata said.

As an animal lover, Leopold hopes that increasing the maximum penalties for these misdemeanor crimes will send a strong message. Leopold was a driving force requesting that Bear Bear's case be re-opened for a more thorough investigation. Additionally, the county executive created the Animal Welfare Council in Anne Arundel County to serve as advocates for domestic, farm and wild animals in the county.

“The current penalties (for animal abuse) are not tough enough under our existing laws in Maryland,” Leopold testified. “These types of crimes are a precursor to more violent crimes by juveniles.”

The proposed legislation would increase the maximum penalties for animal cruelty to 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine while adding a misdemeanor for the use of a firearm, carrying a maximum of one year jail time and a $5,000 fine. The drafted bill would exclude any relationship with hunting.

Following the initial testimony of Leopold and Rettaliata, the floor was opened to receive additional statements by other supporters of the bill.

Carolyn Kilborn, founder and chairperson of Maryland Votes for Animals (MVFA), submitted testimony urging the committee to pass this legislation. Maryland is ranked 43^rd of the 50 states for the strength of animal protection laws, dropping from 38^th in recent years due to the lack of increasing laws that provide protection for animals.

“To kick an animal is a reaction during a moment of frustration, to shoot or burn an animal is a premeditated act,” said Kilborn.

Justin Scally, Manager of the Puppy Mill Task Force for The Humane Society of the United States, testified to the committee, “This is just common sense legislation.”