Animal cruelty charges have been filed in one of the largest cases of animal neglect in Maryland history. The Queen Anne's County State's Attorney, Lance Richardson has filed 34 counts of animal cruelty charges against Marsha Parkinson, owner of Canterbury Farms, an illegal horse breeding farm. Parkinson is scheduled in Queen Anne's County court for a trial on July 27.
In late April, animal control seized 140 horses from Parkinson's from the Centerville farm because they had signs of severe neglect. Of the 140 horses only a few were found to be at a sufficient body condition, the rest were all lacking the "Minimum Standards of Care" under Maryland state law.
Many of the horses were under 5. It is anticipated that more than 100 animal cruelty charges will be filed against Parkinson, and additional charges are being considered bu other state agencies for the lack of licensing to operate and tax issues.
"Animal Services had been monitoring this farm for some time, and without intervention, many of these animals would have succumbed due to the ongoing neglect. We applaud the state's attorney for holding the owner accountable for her actions and seeking justice for these animals. There is no excuse for letting any animal languish without proper care", said Dave MacGlashan, Director of Animal Control for Queen Anne's County.
Since the horses were taken, they have been in the care of local animal welfare organizations and are all thriving in their new environments. Brooke Vrany, Assistant Director of Days End Farm Horse Rescue said, "Many of the horses were at risk of dying, it has taken expert care to rehabilitate them and restore them to health. We are so grateful that Queen Anne's County intervened to stop their suffering. "