Richard L. Rohland

History

Convicted: Puppy mill - 230 guinea pigs and 10 dogs seized
May 22, 2004 - La Plata, MD (US)
Sentence: 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.

Notes:
Rohland has been charged with cruelty to animals and operating a commercial animal establishment without a license, both civil infractions.

Roland 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 November 2003.