Linthicum Teen Charged with Slaying Family Puppy

A 14-year-old Linthicum boy was cited by county police with animal cruelty after he allegedly stabbed the family's puppy in the stomach and throat.

Anne Arundel County police said the juvenile was released to his father Tuesday after being issued a citation.

Police arrived at the home on Mountain Road Tuesday at 2 p.m. for a report of a disturbance. Inside, they found the boy in his bedroom covered in blood, next to the deceased 10-week-old puppy, a St. Bernard. A bloody kitchen knife was found at the foot of the bed, according to the release.

Police said the juvenile was taken into custody without incident. There were no prior animal control reports of problems with the animal, and there is no evidence the animal provoked the juvenile in the incident, police said.

"When he was taken into custody he did not provide an explanation as to why he stabbed the puppy," according to the release.

The juvenile was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He was charged with animal cruelty on a juvenile citation, and ultimately released back into his father's custody, according to the release.

Anne Arundel County Animal Control has taken custody of the remains of the puppy.