Police: 40 Dead Animals Found in Columbia Home

Howard County Animal Control is investigating a case where 40 dead animals were found Monday in a Columbia house occupied by a woman involved in an animal rescue group, according to a statement from the Howard County Police Department.

Police are looking for the woman they think lives in the house. According to neighbors, no one had been there in more than a week, police said. It is unclear how long the animals had been unattended.

Police responded to the 9600 block of Lambeth Court Monday afternoon when a property manager reported odors coming from a townhouse.

Officers discovered four live animals in poor condition and 40 dead animals.

When Animal Control officers responded, they found 19 dead animals in a freezer, including birds, rabbits, a guinea pig and a hermit crab, according to the statement.

Officers found 21 dead animals total, including birds, cats, rabbits and a snake, in cages and other areas around the home.

The live animals — two cats, a bearded dragon lizard and a gerbil — were impounded by Animal Control and are being evaluated by a veterinarian, according to the statement. They appear to be dehydrated and underweight.

Investigators determined that the animals had no food or water in their cages, nor was it available to animals that roamed the house, according to the statement. There was pet food in the home, but it was not accessible to the animals.

The heat and power in the house had been turned off, according to the statement.

No charges have been filed at this time, according to the statement.

The investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with information to call 410-313-STOP.