He will also be placed on probation with special conditions.
Anthony Houston Smith (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office)
Frederick, Md (KM) Six years with all but 30 days suspended was the sentence imposed on Wednesday for a Walkersville man for two felony counts of animal cruelty. He will serve the sentence by spending 10 consecutive weekends in jail.
The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says Anthony Houston Smith, 55, was charged in May, 2023 with 23 counts of animal cruelty.
In February of that year, a Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to 8313 Water Street in Walkersville for complaints of dogs being starved and possibly dead on the property. Animal Control officers were called to the scene, and did a search of the property after receiving permission from the owner. They found five dogs who appeared to be starving and struggling for water. The officers also found three dead dogs on the property, .including two in discarded trash bags.
Four of the five surviving dogs were taken to the Animal Shelter, and one dog was taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
Smith’s case was moved to Circuit Court in August, 2023 by way of a criminal summons filed by the State..
Smith entered alford plea in January 29th, 2024 to two counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty. An alford plea is where the defendant doesn’t admit guilt, but acknowledges the State has sufficient evidence for a conviction. Smith was found guilty on both counts.
In addition to his 30-days incarceration, Smith will be placed on three years of supervised probation with the following conditions: he cannot acquire any additional pets.; compliance checks will be done by animal control officers; and he must enroll in any other programs as recommended by a supervising agent.
By Kevin McManus