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27 dogs in various stages of decomposition found on Maryland property

Dogs found alive to be released to rightful owners
Posted at 2:16 PM, Apr 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-10 14:17:42-04

BALTIMORE — Sixteen more dead dogs have been found on the property of a sewage-infested home where just days ago dozens of more dogs were recovered.

The Carroll County Humane Society says a search warrant was executed on Monday at the home in Hampstead, Maryland.

Officials located an additional 15 dogs deceased in a locked shed in the yard and another deceased dog inside the residence.

All of the dogs were reportedly in varying stages of decomposition.

Authorities initially responded to the residence last Friday after receiving a call to check on the animals' well-being.

Upon entering the home, officials found 11 deceased dogs and 27 that were still alive.

Prosecutors have since charged 49-year-old John J. Roberts and Laura S. Filler, 55, with more than 50 counts of animal cruelty charges.

The Humane Society discovered that some of the dogs found alive were microchipped. Officials will begin releasing some of them to their original proven owners starting Wednesday.

Out of those dogs, 20 are Dalmatians, five are golden retrievers and two are English setters. The dogs have reportedly all been evaluated by a veterinarian and are doing well at the Carroll County Humane Society.

Roberts and Filler are scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 3 at the Carroll County District Court, followed by a June 5 trial.