Latest news with #JeffreyGahler
CBS News
21-07-2025
- CBS News
44 dogs living in deplorable conditions rescued from Harford County home, sheriff says
Dozens of dogs were rescued from inhumane conditions inside a home in Harford County, according to the sheriff's office. The Harford County Sheriff's Office received a tip about animal cruelty and neglect at a home on Eagles Grove Court in Whiteford. "No water, feces in the cage and the house, and the house was hot," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said. "As far as domestic animals, it is the most disgusting case we have dealt with." More than 40 dogs, mostly pit mixes, were taken from the home and brought to the Humane Society of Harford County, where they were each vetted and vaccinated. "I wasn't sure what to expect, but most of them were in pretty good condition," said Erin Long, with the Humane Society of Harford County. "Most of them were wagging and very happy to see us." Sheriff Gahler said there haven't been any arrests, but as the investigation continues, charges may be coming. "When you have a domesticated animal, you're taking on that responsibility when you have one," Gahler said. "When you have 44, you are taking on that responsibility 44 times to provide the proper care that is required, food, water, living conditions, and that was not being done in this case." The Humane Society of Harford County was already at capacity before more than three dozen dogs were brought to the facility. They are asking the public to donate treats, toys, towels, or money to help cover the costs. You can donate by visiting this website. The dogs could go up for adoption once the investigation is complete.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
Harford County residents heartbroken after pit bull left abandoned on side of road
Harford County residents rescued a 4-month-old pit bull after witnessing her get abandoned along Winters Run Road on Saturday, May 10. In one of the photos, taken by neighbor Jonathan Izer, the pit bull puppy is seen jumping to get back in the vehicle as the driver takes off. "It felt like a movie," Izer told WJZ. "It was devastating, really sad, just to watch the puppy run after the car, and they didn't stop or slow down or anything. It was quite heartbreaking." Heartbreaking photos show a 4-month-old being abandoned along Winters Run Road in Harford County on Saturday, May 10. Contributed photo Izer said he witnessed the entire abandonment from his porch and alerted the Harford County Sheriff's Office. "We're animal lovers, people do drive fast down Winters Run, and there's a blind corner there, and we didn't want to see her get hit," Izer said. "She just looked really scared." "It's a crime to abandon an animal" The puppy, named Summer, is safe at the Harford County Humane Society, thanks to Izer and the neighbors who jumped into action. The person responsible for leaving the dog has not yet been found. "It is a crime to abandon an animal, up to $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail," said Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler. "So we're asking people if they recognize the vehicle or they recognize the owner of the dog, we'd like to talk to that person and see why they would do this." Anyone who recognizes the van or has any information about the incident is asked to call the Harford County Humane Society. Meanwhile, the Harford County Humane Society will keep Summer as a stray for a mandatory 10-day hold, and then she will be put up for adoption. You can apply for her and the dozens of other pets in need of a home by filling out an application here. "Our animals deserve better than this" Sheriff Gahler says animal control is investigating and urges anyone who needs to surrender an animal to take it to a shelter where it can be cared for. "Our animals deserve better than this," Gahler said. "Domestic animals are part of the family for so many of us, so many people who saw that post and saw the way that dog was apparently being treated, it breaks your heart."
CBS News
28-01-2025
- CBS News
Proposed bill would prevent police in Maryland from pulling drivers over for certain offenses
BALTIMORE -- A proposed bill in Maryland is getting some attention after the Harford County Sheriff's Office shared a social media video criticizing the measure. Senate Bill 292 would prevent police officers in the state from pulling drivers over for certain infractions like littering out of a car window, failing to use a turn signal, driving with a broken head- or taillight, and driving or parking in a bus lane. The offenses would become secondary actions, meaning officers could not use those offenses as the primary reason for a traffic stop. The bill would also define illegal U-turns and an expired registration as secondary offenses. If an officer failed to comply with the provisions of the bill, they could face disciplinary action and any evidence gathered during that traffic stop would be inadmissible in court. Officers would be required to document stops Under the proposed bill, officers in Maryland would be required to document and follow certain procedures for all traffic stops. When initiating a traffic stop, an officer would be required to show identification and provide their name, badge number and affiliated agency to the driver along with the reason for the stop. The officer would also have to document the reason for the stop. Failure to comply would again result in disciplinary action, but would not exclude evidence found during the stop. The bill would also allow citizens to record a police officer's actions as long as the citizen is acting legally and safely. The Maryland General Assembly is expected to discuss the bill during a hearing Tuesday. If passed, it would take effect in October 2025. Harford County Sheriff's Office criticizes proposed bill Legislative Alert: If you drive a motor vehicle on Maryland roadways, you will want to spend a few minutes and hear about a proposed law change that will have a hearing tomorrow in the Maryland Senate. Posted by Harford County Sheriff's Office on Monday, January 27, 2025 In a video shared on social media, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler and other members of the department highlighted infractions that would become secondary offenses under the bill. "...This bill sponsor went the additional measure to make sure that it's pointed out that if a police officer mistakenly pulls someone over, that that officer is subject to administrative discipline," Sheriff Gahler said in the video. "You really cannot make this stuff up." Other bills in the 2025 legislative session There are plenty of other major bills to keep an eye on as the 2025 legislative session continues. The Maryland General Assembly has yet to vote on Governor Wes Moore's proposed 2026 budget that would tackle a $2.7 billion budget crisis. The proposed budget would bring major tax cuts for 66% of state residents and increase taxes for the highest earners. The budget would also raise the sports betting tax from 15% to 30%, the table game tax from 20% to 25% and the cannabis tax from 9% to 15%. The proposed budget would also cut $111 million in state funding from the University System of Maryland, and allocate $3.63 million to Maryland's Department of Transportation for projects across the state. State leaders are planning to introduce a bill that could gradually raise the state's minimum wage to $20. The legislation would create a constitutional amendment ballot question in November 2026.
