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Mary Berneski, Paralegal
Kim Raeder, Administrator
411 Franklin Street
Denton, Maryland 21629
Animal Welfare and Control Hearing Board
Caroline County Health and Public Service Building
403 S 7th St., Room 110
Denton, MD 21629
Open Meeting Minutes
An advertised public hearing and meeting of the Animal Welfare and Control Hearing Board was held on
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Board Members Director of Animal Control, Jacob Andrew
Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Cody Rzucidlo
Citizen, Richard Moorer
Director of Environmental Health, Joshua Parker
Vet Tech, Lisa Trippett
Staff Members MacLeod Law Group, LLC, Attorney at Law – Lance Young
Law Office Paralegal – Mary Berneski
PAB/ACC Administrator – Kim Raeder
Caroline County Animal Control Officer, Diana Greenwood
Officer, Erin Brown
Caroline County Humane Society Director, Karen Culotta
Witness Luke Stottlemyer
Dog Owner Joshua Riggins
Citizen Sharzia Rittenhouse
Director Andrew called the open meeting to order at 6:05 pm.
1. No public comment
2. Animal Control Officer, Diana Greenwood explained from the incident report the events involving Mr.
Riggins's dog, Beezy. Exhibits 1-12 were introduced. Question and answer among the board members
and Officer Greenwood commenced.
3. Witness, Luke Stottlemyer, spoke about the incident at his residence on April 18th, 2024. Question and
answer among the board members and Mr. Stottlemyer commenced. Mr. Stottlemyer exited the meeting
after his testimony.
4. The owner, Joshua Riggins, pleaded for his dog to return home. Question and answer among the board
OFFICE OF LAW
Stewart Barroll, County Attorney Mary Berneski, County Paralegal
411 Franklin Street | Denton, Maryland 21629 | (410) 479-5841

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members and Mr. Riggins commenced. Mr. Riggins's girlfriend, Sharzia Rittenhouse, spoke on the dog’s
demeanor and good-natured spirit.
5. The director of the Caroline County Humane Society, Karen Culotta, informed the board about Beezy’s
negative behavior at the shelter and possible health problems due to visual assessment.
6. Mr. Riggins was asked questions regarding his permanent residence, financial ability, timeline of events,
and ability to handle restrictions imposed by the county if the dog was returned to his custody.
7. After deliberation among the board, a motion was made by Director Andrew to euthanize the dog,
Beezy. Seconded by Deputy Rzucidlo. Each board member explained their vote reasoning. All in favor,
none opposed. The motion passed at 7:17 pm. Mr. Riggins and Ms. Rittenhouse exited the meeting as
board members were voting.
8. Director Andrew adjourned the meeting at 7:18 pm.
NOTE: A part, or all, of a meeting may be conducted in closed session. The Committee may start in an open
session, pursuant to its Rules of Procedure and in accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Md. Code
Ann., General Provisions §3-305, to go into closed session for any enumerated purpose.
OFFICE OF LAW
Stewart Barroll, County Attorney Mary Berneski, County Paralegal
411 Franklin Street | Denton, Maryland 21629 | (410) 479-5841