63 Animals Saved From Rising Sun, Elkton 'Rescue': Cecil County

CECIL COUNTY, MD — Cecil County Animal Services saved 63 animals this week from neglect following a nearly month-long investigation, according to a statement from the county. Officials received a report alleging that animals in the Eden Rehab and Rescue were not being cared for properly. The allegations included the animals were not being properly fed.

An investigation on Queen Street in Rising Sun on Jan. 30 resulted in the seizure of eight cats, four dogs, two turtles and a raccoon, authorities reported. They were found in "neglectful conditions," according to a statement from Cecil County Animal Services.

Another location where the rescue operates, in Elkton, led to 26 cats and 22 dogs being rescued, officials reported.

Many of them were emaciated and had hair loss as well as open sores on their bodies, according to the report.

They were discovered on Jan. 23 in what officials said were "deplorable conditions" at the Elkton facility, in kennels saturated with feces and urine, limited access to fresh water, strong ammonia fumes and unkempt litter boxes.

Cecil County Animal Services is providing medical, behavioral and enrichment therapy the 63 rescued creatures.

“These animals were in grave need of care," Cecil County Animal Services Director and Chief Abigail Lightning-Bingham said in a statement. "We are anxious to rehabilitate these innocent victims and are committed to protecting them from any future suffering at the hands of a rescue organization that failed them."

Animal neglect charges are pending against the founder of Eden Rehab and Rescue, officials said.

"It is our duty to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves," Lightning-Bingham sad.

The investigation stemmed from a report filed Jan. 5 that the organization was not caring properly for the animals.

“I commend our staff at Animal Services for their commitment to serving and protecting these innocent creatures,” Cecil County Executive Alan McCarthy said in a statement. “I shudder to think of what could have happened to these animals had our team not jumped in when they did. Animal neglect and abuse is not something that will be tolerated in Cecil County.”

Cecil County Animal Services is asking the community for donations to assist with what it expects will be a significant cost for a long period of care and rehabilitation for the animals.

These items can be dropped off for those who would like to donate:

• Pedigree dry dog food
• Pedigree canned dog food
• Purina Cat Chow
• Canned cat food (any variety)
• Purina Busy Bones
• Fleece blankets
• Canned pumpkin
• Kongs and Nylabones

Cecil County Animal Services is located at 3280 Augustine Herman Highway in Chesapeake City.

The Cecil County Community Services Foundation, which provides assistance for the county's animal services, is accepting donations online.

People can also send checks to the Cecil County Community Services Foundation, 3280 Augustine Herman Hwy, Chesapeake City, MD 21915.

Cecil County Animal Services noted in a news release about its January rescue of the 63 animals that a new bill filed in the state legislature would make the owner or custodian of an animal removed due to animal cruelty liable for costs of the creature's care.

Pictured, “Bodie” is one of 63 animals seized from Eden Rehab & Rescue earlier this week. Photo courtesy of Cecil County Animal Services.