Case Details

Puppy mill - 230 guinea pigs and 10 dogs seized
La Plata, MD (US)

Date: May 22, 2004
Disposition: Convicted

Abuser/Suspect: Richard L. Rohland

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Charles County animal control officer entered a La Plata residence with a warrant May 22, 2004 and found a staggering scene, according to court documents.

More than 230 guinea pigs and 10 Shih Tzu dogs were living in "deplorable conditions," inside the garage, the papers filed in Charles County District Court said. The owner of the home, Richard L. Rohland, was alleged to be selling the animals. A Shih Tzu customer tipped off authorities to the squalor in his garage, the documents said. The customer described animals living cramped in cages in a dark room littered with feces and stained with urine. Dead animals also were on the premises, authorities said.

Rohland was charged with cruelty to animals and operating a commercial animal establishment without a license, both civil infractions.

On June 3, 2004, District Judge Richard A. Cooper denied a petition by Rohland to have the animals returned to him. Veterinarian Mark E. Hocking, who accompanied animal control officers on the raid, recommended that the removal of all animals from the house was "necessary for the health and well-being of the animals," his affidavit said. Many of the animals were "in desperate need of veterinary care," it said.

Rohland was accused of animal cruelty once before, in November 1987, the affidavit said. At the time, authorities seized several dogs that "were not socialized," and some had "broken limbs and infected lesions," according to filings in the current case. The investigation by DeGuzman also found that Rohland had left 15 guinea pigs at the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville since last November.

"All of the guinea pigs had to be euthanized because of various health problems, including missing and broken limbs, tumors, open wounds, and hair loss. Their coats were dirty, and they had a strong odor," the affidavit in support of the warrant said.

In a letter to the judge, Rohland offered explanations for his actions while seeking the return of his animals.

At the time of the raid, he wrote, "I was renovating my kennel." Rohland said he planned to order more cages to give his animals more space. He said he usually provided the animals with water every night, but by the time the officers seized his guinea pigs, "the bottle happened to be empty in late afternoon."

Rohland wrote that he could not install ventilation equipment for the guinea pigs because the "sonic sound may cause miscarriages and kill the babies." His letter also said that because there was rain during the week of the raid, "I was unable to clean up the sanitary condition."

"I am a kennel breeder, and I don't breed sick animals," he wrote. "I endeavor to be a good breeder."

For the civil offense of cruelty to animals, Rohland faces fines of $50 to $500 for each count, Assistant County Attorney Josh Hamlin said. The fine for operating a commercial animal establishment without a license is $150, he said. The Animal Matters Hearing Board will make a determination on the cases.

Case Updates

Posted on Jun 11, 2005 - 7:08PM
The trial in southern Maryland for the 280 abused guinea pigs and 10 shit tzu's was completed on June 9. Rohland signed over the 10 shi-tzu's to the county, which means they can now be put up for adoption. Of the 60 remaining guinea pigs, Rohland is permitted to pick out 10 to take back home, reportedly because the judge didn't feel he could deny him animal companionship. Rohland is not allowed to breed and is on probation for 2 years, during which time animal control perform unannounced checks.
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References

The Washington Post
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