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BALTIMORE, Maryland (WBAL) -- A Baltimore man arrested Wednesday faces 178 counts of animal cruelty in connection with the seizure of 83 dogs from his property in May.
According to charging documents obtained by 11 News, the property owner alerted authorities on May 23 to a tenant who failed to pay rent, which led to a search warrant.
According to the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, city sheriff's deputies and animal control officers served the warrant at a house in the 5100 block of Pembridge Avenue in northwest Baltimore, where they discovered 83 dogs, some confined in crates filled with excrement, amid a strong ammonia smell.
"Animal cruelty is a serious and intolerable offense that reflects a deep depravity and disregard for the well-being of innocent creatures. The 178 counts of animal cruelty in this case underscores our commitment to holding those who harm animals accountable," Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates said in a statement.
The dogs seized from the property were taken to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter due to their deplorable living conditions and health concerns to receive medical care and be placed for adoption or foster, officials said in a statement. BARCS tells 11 News all of the dogs have since been adopted.
Through an investigation, deputies identified the tenant as Robert Conley, 46, and found he was selling animals online via Instagram.
The charging documents state that some of the dogs were in poor health, including heart murmurs and dehydration. A cat was also removed from the house.
"The public can know that the sheriff's office took our time to ensure we put together a very thorough investigation that led to 178 counts, proof that their sheriff does not tolerate the abuse of animals in Baltimore City," Sheriff Sam Cogen said in a statement.
"(The) seizure of 83 dogs and the subsequent arrest of the individual charged with animal cruelty, highlights our animal enforcement officers' unwavering commitment to safeguard the welfare of all animals, but more importantly, this underscores the dedication and efforts from our partners to hold individuals accountable for their actions," Interim Baltimore City Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller said in a statement.
