Severn Teenagers Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges

Two Severn teenagers were arrested Thursday evening on animal cruelty charges after police caught the 16-year olds fleeing the scene from an alleged dog fight, according to Anne Arundel County police. 

Police apprehended the two boys, one of whom was carrying a small pit bull by the neck as he was fleeing the scene near Arwell Court. 

According to police, a citizen told officers that five individuals were watching two dogs fighting in the wooded area near Athena Lane and Loving Road around 5:22 p.m. Thursday. Police surrounded the area and caught two of the teens, but were not able to locate the other individuals or the second dog.

Anne Arundel County Animal Control transported the pit bull to a local veterinary hospital where it was declared to be in poor condition. 

“This is another fine example of an alert citizen intervening and removing animals from a dangerous situation,” County Executive John R. Leopold said. “Concerned residents are the first line of defense against animal cruelty.”

The 16-year olds are facing numerous animal cruelty charges and have been transported to the Cheltenham Youth Facility by the Department of Juvenile Services.