Montgomery County Police have charged a 47-year-old woman with multiple counts of animal cruelty for keeping 66 dogs in squalid conditions inside her home.
Katherine Ting Tiong was charged after police rescued the dogs from her Rockville, Md. home on New Year’s Day.
The dogs were found in varying levels of distress, according to the Animal Services Division of the Montgomery County Police Department. Many had dirty fur soaked in urine, had infections or suffered from other untreated diseases.
Three of the dogs had to be euthanized at the rescue shelter. Another died, though rescuers don't yet know its cause of death, animal services said.
Tiong told authorities she was operating a rescue service called Forever Homes Animal Rescue. A neighbor had previously complained about the house when a number of dogs escaped onto the street, News4 has reported.
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The police investigation officially began after one of the dogs from her home bit a woman at a Potomac pet adoption event in December.
Tiong was charged with 66 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Each charge could result in up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Tiong has been released on bond.
About eight of the dogs have found new homes, and the others were sent to different rescues.
Some of the remaining dogs will need owners who are willing to invest patience and extra care to help with the dogs' medical or behavioral needs, said officials at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center.
Those who are interested in adopting a dog can visit Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, Maryland.
