Caroline County Animal Welfare Board votes to euthanize dog Beezy after hearing on April 18 incident
May 29, 2024 | Caroline County, Maryland
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Caroline County Animal Welfare and Control Hearing Board voted unanimously on May 29, 2024, to euthanize Beezy, a dog involved in an incident at a residence on April 18, 2024. Director of Animal Control Jacob Andrew moved for euthanasia, Deputy Cody Rzucidlo seconded, and the board recorded the motion as passed at 7:17 p.m.
The hearing opened at 6:05 p.m. with no public comment. Animal Control Officer Diana Greenwood presented the incident report and introduced Exhibits 1–12 to the board. Greenwood answered questions from board members about the facts in the report and the timeline of events.
Luke Stottlemyer, a witness who described the April 18 incident at his residence, gave testimony and responded to board questions before exiting the hearing. Owner Joshua Riggins pleaded for Beezy to be returned to his custody and answered questions about his permanent residence, financial ability, and whether he could comply with any restrictions the county might impose.
Sharzia Rittenhouse, identified as Riggins’s girlfriend, described Beezy’s demeanor and characterized the dog as good-natured. Karen Culotta, director of the Caroline County Humane Society, told the board that Beezy had displayed negative behavior while at the shelter and that, based on a visual assessment, the dog might have health problems.
Board members questioned Riggins about his living situation, finances and his ability to follow potential county restrictions. After deliberation, Director Andrew moved to euthanize Beezy; Deputy Rzucidlo seconded. Each board member explained the reasoning for their vote. The motion passed with all members voting in favor at 7:17 p.m. Mr. Riggins and Ms. Rittenhouse left the meeting as the board was voting. Director Andrew adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
The board’s proceedings and vote followed presentation of evidence and testimony; the record notes Exhibits 1–12 and testimony from Animal Control, the witness and shelter staff. The meeting summary also includes a procedural note that the committee may convene in closed session under the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. §3-305.
The hearing opened at 6:05 p.m. with no public comment. Animal Control Officer Diana Greenwood presented the incident report and introduced Exhibits 1–12 to the board. Greenwood answered questions from board members about the facts in the report and the timeline of events.
Luke Stottlemyer, a witness who described the April 18 incident at his residence, gave testimony and responded to board questions before exiting the hearing. Owner Joshua Riggins pleaded for Beezy to be returned to his custody and answered questions about his permanent residence, financial ability, and whether he could comply with any restrictions the county might impose.
Sharzia Rittenhouse, identified as Riggins’s girlfriend, described Beezy’s demeanor and characterized the dog as good-natured. Karen Culotta, director of the Caroline County Humane Society, told the board that Beezy had displayed negative behavior while at the shelter and that, based on a visual assessment, the dog might have health problems.
Board members questioned Riggins about his living situation, finances and his ability to follow potential county restrictions. After deliberation, Director Andrew moved to euthanize Beezy; Deputy Rzucidlo seconded. Each board member explained the reasoning for their vote. The motion passed with all members voting in favor at 7:17 p.m. Mr. Riggins and Ms. Rittenhouse left the meeting as the board was voting. Director Andrew adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
The board’s proceedings and vote followed presentation of evidence and testimony; the record notes Exhibits 1–12 and testimony from Animal Control, the witness and shelter staff. The meeting summary also includes a procedural note that the committee may convene in closed session under the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. §3-305.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
