Press Release
Defendant Ordered to Pay $12,000 in Restitution to BARCS in Animal Cruelty Case
December 4, 2024
Baltimore, Md. (December 4, 2024) - Today, State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore City Sheriff Samuel L. Cogen, and Baltimore City Animal Control - a division of the Baltimore City Health Department, announced that a guilty plea was secured from defendant Robert Conley for 42 counts of Animal Cruelty related to the seizure of 83 dogs from his property in Central Park Heights. The defendant was sentenced to 10.3 years, suspending all but time served, with three years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay restitution to the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) in the amount of $12,000 during his probation period. The defendant is also required to have no animals in his control or custody and to consent to random visits by animal control to ensure no animals are in his possession. Assistant State's Attorneys Alison Rajk and Robert Schenker prosecuted this case.
“This defendant demonstrated a complete disregard for the well-being of innocent animals. This plea and the substantial restitution ordered underscores our commitment to holding those who harm animals accountable. This would not have been possible without the dedication and compassion of our Sheriff's Deputies and partners at the Baltimore City Health Department,” said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “I commend ASAs Alison Rajk and Robert Schenker for their outstanding work on this plea. My office will continue to advocate for the protection and humane treatment of all animals by pursuing justice when acts of cruelty and neglect are committed.”
Baltimore City Sheriff's deputies and Animal Control officers executed the warrant on Mr. Conley's property in May of this year. During the course of the investigation, officers encountered such an overwhelming smell of ammonia that they noted symptoms of eye-watering and sensations of burning in their nostrils and chest.
"The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office does not tolerate the abuse of animals in the City and is proud to have been a part of bringing this unfortunate incident to light. The individual involved has been held accountable for these reprehensible actions. I would like to thank the Deputies involved in this incident who acted swiftly and with professionalism throughout the entire process and the State’s Attorney’s Office for their continues partnership. We continue to encourage the citizens of Baltimore to support Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) for housing and medical care as they continue to help animals in need of rescue beyond their capacity," said Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen.
"We are extremely grateful for our strong partnership with the State's Attorney's Office, the Sheriff's Office, and the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) for their collaboration with our Animal Control team on cases of animal neglect and abuse," said Mary Beth Haller Interim Health Commissioner. “This case in which 83 animals were rescued from deplorable conditions required a tremendous amount of coordination. We are pleased with the outcome of this case as it will help to deter other individuals from subjecting animals to neglectful and abusive situations."
The dogs seized from the property were transported to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) due to their deplorable living conditions and health concerns to receive medical care and be placed for adoption or foster.
“We are deeply grateful to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney for seeking justice in this case. We also want to thank our donors, whose generosity allowed us to provide the necessary emergency care, and the adopters who gave these 84 animals loving homes. This case shows the incredible impact of a community coming together for animals in need," said Jennifer Brause, BARCS Founder and CEO.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Baltimore City Sheriff's Office of Special Operations members responded to 5102 Pembridge Avenue to assist Animal Enforcement with a Search and Seizure Warrant.
Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered 83 dogs, many of them on the second and basement levels. The residence had a strong ammonia smell, and dogs were found confined in crates filled with excrement. All animals were immediately evacuated from the residence for medical evaluation.