Maryland Man Faces Felony Charges For Shooting Family Dog

Anne Arundel County authorities have arrested and charged Robert Anthony Harley with multiple animal cruelty offenses after he allegedly shot a family dog named Maisie in what investigators describe as a disturbing case of animal abuse. The incident, which occurred in the Severn area, has prompted outrage among animal welfare advocates and renewed calls for stricter penalties in animal cruelty cases, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

The case highlights the growing focus on animal cruelty investigations by law enforcement agencies nationwide, with Anne Arundel County Police noting that research consistently demonstrates links between violence against animals and other forms of violent behavior within communities.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details

According to charging documents, police officers responded to a residence on Severn Station Road on May 6 after receiving reports of gunshots and a wounded animal. Upon arrival, officers discovered Maisie, a three-year-old golden retriever mix, suffering from a gunshot wound to her hindquarters. Animal Control officers provided emergency care before transporting the injured dog to an emergency veterinary clinic.

“The responding officers found the dog in significant distress, bleeding heavily from what was clearly a gunshot wound,” said Detective Sarah Coleman, who leads the department’s Animal Abuse Unit. “Witnesses reported hearing an argument followed by a gunshot, then seeing the suspect leave the residence in a vehicle.”

Investigators determined that Harley, 42, allegedly shot the dog during a domestic dispute with another household member. According to witness statements, Harley became enraged when the dog knocked over a drink, leading to an escalating confrontation that culminated in him retrieving a firearm and shooting the animal.

Serious Charges Reflect Severity of Offense

Harley faces multiple criminal charges, including Aggravated Animal Cruelty, a felony under Maryland law that carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. Additional charges include Reckless Endangerment, Discharge of a Firearm within 100 Yards of a Residence, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm Due to Previous Convictions.

“These charges reflect the serious nature of violence against animals,” explained Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Marcus Williams. “Maryland law recognizes animal cruelty as a significant offense, not only because of the harm to the animal but also because such acts are often indicators or precursors to other violent behaviors.”

Court records show that Harley has previous convictions for assault and weapons offenses, which prohibit him from legally possessing firearms. The gun used in the incident, a .38 caliber revolver, was recovered during the execution of a search warrant at the residence and determined to be unregistered.

Maisie’s Condition and Recovery Prospects

Veterinarians at the Anne Arundel County Animal Care Center, where Maisie was transferred for ongoing treatment, report that the dog suffered significant trauma but is expected to survive. Dr. Jennifer Murphy, the center’s lead veterinarian, described Maisie’s injuries and treatment plan.

“The bullet fractured her right rear femur and caused substantial soft tissue damage,” Dr. Murphy explained. “She’s undergone surgery to remove bullet fragments and repair the bone damage. While she faces a lengthy recovery period, her prognosis for eventual recovery is cautiously optimistic given her age and overall health status prior to the injury.”

The Animal Care Center has been providing regular updates on Maisie’s condition through their social media channels, where hundreds of community members have expressed support and concern for the injured dog. A fund established to cover Maisie’s medical expenses has already received over $8,000 in donations from concerned citizens.

Animal Cruelty as Indicator of Broader Violence

Law enforcement officials emphasized that this case reflects growing recognition of the connections between animal abuse and other forms of violence. The Anne Arundel County Police Department established its specialized Animal Abuse Unit in 2023 specifically to address this link and ensure thorough investigation of animal cruelty cases.

“Research consistently shows that individuals who commit violence against animals frequently engage in violence against humans as well,” explained Dr. Michael Stevens, a criminologist who consults with the department. “By treating animal cruelty cases with appropriate seriousness, law enforcement can potentially intervene before this pattern escalates to violence against people.”

National studies cited by the department indicate that households experiencing domestic violence report animal abuse incidents at rates up to 11 times higher than households without domestic violence. Similarly, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans, according to data from the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Community and Legislative Response

The case has prompted renewed calls from animal welfare advocates for strengthening Maryland’s animal cruelty laws. The Maryland Animal Protection Alliance has been lobbying state lawmakers to increase penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and to expand mandatory psychiatric evaluation requirements for those convicted of such offenses.

“While Maryland has made progress in recognizing animal cruelty as a serious crime, cases like this demonstrate the need for even stronger protections,” said Katherine Bennett, executive director of the Alliance. “We need sentencing guidelines that reflect the gravity of these offenses and comprehensive intervention programs to address the underlying behaviors.”

State Senator Robert Keller, who chairs the Judicial Proceedings Committee, indicated that the legislature would review current statutes during the next session. “We’re committed to ensuring our laws appropriately address animal cruelty while recognizing its connections to broader public safety concerns,” Senator Keller stated.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

Harley was taken into custody without incident on May 7 after investigators located him at a relative’s residence in Glen Burnie. During his initial court appearance, District Court Judge Melissa Patterson ordered him held without bail, citing his prior criminal history and the violent nature of the current allegations.

“The court finds that the defendant poses a danger to the community based on his apparent willingness to resort to firearms during moments of anger,” Judge Patterson stated in her ruling. “The combination of prior violent offenses and the current allegations justifies pretrial detention.”

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 22, with the State’s Attorney’s Office indicating they intend to pursue indictment through a grand jury prior to that date. Harley’s court-appointed attorney, Thomas Richardson, declined to comment specifically on the allegations but stated, “We intend to ensure Mr. Harley receives a fair process with all constitutional protections.”

As for Maisie, once she recovers sufficiently, she will be placed in protective custody with Animal Control until the court makes a final determination regarding her permanent placement. Several rescue organizations have already offered to assist with her ongoing rehabilitation and eventual rehoming if necessary.