La Plata, MD — The Charles County Animal Matters Hearing Board met on January 6, 2026, to adjudicate several cases involving alleged violations of county animal regulations. Chaired by an presiding officer, the board heard testimony from animal control officers, complainants and respondents in four matters, resulting in fines, abatements and one dismissal. The board, established to hear complaints about regulated animals and facilities under county code, operates in accordance with its rules of practice and procedure.
Board members present included Dr. Michelle Quigley, a veterinarian; William Johnson; Sergeant Cooney of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Karen Williams; Christine Montgomery, vice chair; James German; Christine Gonzalez; and April Hodges, representing the Humane Society for Charles County. Linda Price served as clerk. The session, held in an undisclosed location, was audio and video recorded due to the serious nature of the proceedings. Participants were sworn in, and testimony was limited to three minutes per person.
The first case, citation 7562, involved Animal Control Services versus Molly John Murphy of White Plains. Officer Ingram testified that on December 3, 2025, he responded to a report of a cat running at large at 3949 Shaftsbury Court. Murphy admitted allowing her cat outdoors to use the bathroom. Ingram advised her of county regulations and warned that capture could lead to a citation. On December 5, 2025, complainant Tony Higgins reported the cat trapped on his property at 3945 Shaftsbury Court. Ingram recovered a black and white cat, assigned profile number 7736 at the Charles County Animal Care Center. Records showed the cat had been previously reclaimed by Murphy. On December 8, 2025, Murphy confirmed ownership but could not provide proof of license or current rabies vaccination. The cat was reclaimed on December 9, 2025.
Higgins testified to prior discussions with Murphy about the cat roaming and defecating in his yard. The board found Murphy in violation of county code section 230-10 A for failure to obtain an individual license, with a $50 fine; section 230-12 for animal at large, with a $50 fine; and section 230-9 A for failure to provide proof of current rabies vaccination, with a $150 fine. Total fines amounted to $250, plus referral to the state’s attorney’s office for failure to appear. Murphy did not attend the hearing.
A related citizen complaint, file 2522, Higgins versus Murphy, alleged defecation and running at large on dates including December 2 and December 8, 2025. Higgins referenced the same trapping incident and assumed the cat caused feces on his property. The board dismissed the complaint, noting overlap with the prior ruling and insufficient evidence for defecation. Higgins was advised to file future complaints with new dates if issues persist.
The second case, citation 7557, pitted Animal Control Services against Henry Earl Rasco Jr. of White Plains. Officer Murphy reported responding on December 3, 2025, to 11161 Tioga Lane for a dog bite. Victim Therese Hill Zachary stated her son, Traylin Zachary, was walking their leashed lab mix, Cash, when an unprovoked stray Akita-type dog attacked. Cash sustained multiple puncture wounds. Ring doorbell footage captured the Akita pursuing them home.
Traylin Zachary corroborated, describing the attack at approximately 7 a.m. and fleeing home after releasing Cash’s leash on his mother’s advice. Hill Zachary detailed Cash’s injuries, veterinary treatment including sutures, antibiotics and a 10-day quarantine, and family trauma. Officer Murphy linked the Akita, named Kane, to Rasco at 11152 Tioga Drive via a prior welfare check. Rasco admitted Kane escaped his fenced backyard that morning but was unaware of the attack.
Lieutenant Katie Roche confirmed Kane’s license issued January 5, 2026, and rabies certificate expiring January 4, 2027, post-incident. The board found Rasco in violation of section 230-10 A for individual license, with a $0 fine; section 230-12 for animal at large, with a $50 fine; section 230-9 A for rabies proof, with a $0 fine; and section 230-12.5 for dangerous or potentially dangerous animal, with a $500 fine, $400 held in abeyance for nine months. Abatements required neutering, microchipping and other measures, excluding one unspecified item. Total immediate fines: $50, payable within 45 days.
The final case, citation 7498, involved Animal Control Services versus Daisy del Sid Rayo, addressed via Spanish interpreter. Officer Amanda Brown testified to impounding a tan and black German shepherd, Kimba, running at large near Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf on December 22, 2025. This marked Kimba’s third impoundment within 12 months: May 1, September 18 and December 22, 2025. Del Sid Rayo, of 2006 Pine Hollow Court in Waldorf, provided rabies and license proof but faced a $500 reclaim fee, doubled per policy.
Del Sid Rayo explained forgetting Kimba outside after a hurried outing, citing the dog’s hyperactivity. An electric collar failed to contain her, and a low fence allowed escapes. She requested leniency on fees due to financial hardship. Chief Jeffrey Thomas noted the fee remains fixed but a payment plan could be negotiated with shelter manager Kim Stevens. Del Sid Rayo had until noon January 7, 2026, to reclaim, or Kimba becomes county property.
The board found del Sid Rayo in violation of section 230-12 for animal at large, with a $50 fine held in abeyance for two months, and section 230-12.6 for third impoundment, with a $0 fine. She must pay the $500 reclaim fee.