Case Details

Sheep found decapitated
Frederick, MD (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Feb 3, 2007
County: Frederick
Local Map: available
Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Case ID: 10693
Classification: Mutilation/Torture
Animal: sheep
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Reward: $1,500
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The Frederick County Humane Society is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the mutilation of a female sheep over the weekend in a barn on the 9500 block of Bethel Road.

"We are encouraging whomever has information about this heinous act to please get involved," said Brigitte Farrell, executive director of the humane society.

"We are working in partnership with (the Frederick County Division of) Animal Control to get out and do something about this horrific crime," Farrell said.

Animal Control Director Harold Domer said investigators are pursuing a tip received Sunday evening. He would not disclose the nature of the tip.

The 225-pound ewe was killed after being removed from a pen she was in with her 1-week-old lamb.

The 3-year-old Dorset ewe was found decapitated about 7:45 a.m. on Feb 3. The sheep's right rear leg also had been removed.

A joint investigation is being conducted by Animal Control Officer David Luckenbaugh and Deputy First Class William Elrod of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.

Dr. Virginia Pierce, a veterinarian, was scheduled to perform a necropsy on the ewe Monday at the state Department of Agriculture lab on Rosemont Avenue.

Those found responsible for the crime could face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on information obtained during the investigation, Domer said.

Causing animals unnecessary suffering is a misdemeanor punishable by as many as 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Felony animal cruelty by intentional mutilation, torture or beating is punishable by as many as three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Anyone with information about the sheep mutilation should call the Frederick County Division of Animal Control at 301-694-1546 or the Frederick County Sheriff's Office at 301-600-1046.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Frederick County Division of Animal Control
301-694-1546

Case Updates

Investigators have a new lead on the case of a decapitated sheep; the head has been returned to the Frederick farm.

In a strange turn of events, the head of a mutilated sheep is discovered and investigators are baffled.

"It is very intriguing that not many times in my public service over 31 years I had something returned to the scene of the crimes,� says Harold Domer of Frederick County Animal Control.

Domer says that head is now part of their evidence in the investigation.

"When she contacted us, we in fact retrieved the head, since have taken it to the animal health lab next door to us here,� says Domer.

The head was found somewhere on the 38 acre farm, but officials aren't revealing the details of the exact location.

�I was going about my chores on the farm and actually just happened to come across it not expecting it at all,� says farm owner June Weedy.

Officials say that they believe the killing was premeditated.

"To kill an animal in that fashion, and then discard its body there without any intent to do something else,� says Domer.

Animal control is contacting other veterinarians across the U.S. to see if they've had any similar experiences.
Source: NBC 25 - Feb 27, 2007
Update posted on May 13, 2007 - 10:58PM 
The reward for information leading to those responsible for mutilating a 3-year-old female Dorset sheep over the weekend has grown to $1,500.

The National Humane Education Society, based in Charles Town, W.Va., is adding $1,000 to the $500 already offered by the Frederick County Humane Society.

"We can't afford to offer a reward in every animal cruelty case that occurs cross-country, but we've decided that we can do this, at least in cases that occur in our own backyard," said Michael Mahrer, director of marketing for the society. "The perpetrator of this crime must be punished."

The 225-pound ewe was killed after being removed from a pen in a barn in the 9500 block of Bethel Road. Her 1-week-old lamb was with her.

The ewe was found decapitated about 7:45 a.m. Saturday. The sheep's right rear leg also had been removed.

A joint investigation is being conducted by Animal Control Officer David Luckenbaugh and Deputy First Class William Elrod of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.

The reward will be given to those whose tips lead to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information about the sheep mutilation should call officers at the Frederick County Division of Animal Control at 301-694-1544.

Officers check for messages frequently, said Harold Domer, director of the Frederick County Division of Animal Control.
Source: Frederick News Post - Feb 8, 2007
Update posted on Feb 8, 2007 - 5:35PM 

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References

The Frederick News-Post - Feb 6, 2007
WJZ - Feb 5, 2007

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