ANIMAL MATTERS HEARING BOARD CENe w Prince Frederick, Maryland MEETING NOTICE The Animal Matters Hearing Board (AMHB) held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Calvert County Animal Shelter, 5055 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick, Maryland. Members: Erin Farley, Vice-Chair Present Thomas Phelps Present Laurel Matthews Present Helen Prince Present Dr. Megan Noyes, Chair Absent Dawn Shonkwiler Present Jacqueline Vaughan Present Clerk: Francie Rose, Executive Administrative Aide, Public Safety April Coleman, Deputy Director of Animal Services, Public Safety Staff: Pamela Lucas, Deputy County Attorney, County Attorney's Office OPEN MINUTES General Business & Administrative Matters 1. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Quorum was determined. 3. A motion was made by Dawn Shonkwiler, seconded by Helen Prince, to approve the minutes from the open meeting on March 12, 2025. The minutes were approved unanimously by all in attendance. 4. A motion was made by Helen Prince, seconded by Laurel Matthews, to approve the draft agenda for the evening. The agenda was approved unanimously by all in attendance. Requests for Removal of Potentially Dangerous Designations None Appeal Hearings: 1. Case No. 25-0371 - Prout/Fry (Mac) = Ms. Katherine Prout and Mr. Zack Baker appealed their dog, Mac, being put on the Dangerous Animal List as a result of an incident that occurred on March 5, 2025. Neither Ms. Prout nor Mr. Baker attended the hearing. Therefore, Mac will remain on the Dangerous Animal List. 2. Case No. 25-0397 - Lawrence/Stich (Freya) - Mr. Sean and Mrs. Jessica Lawrence appealed their dog, Freya, being placed on the Potentially Dangerous Animal List as a result of an incident that occurred on March 8, 2025. Present were Animal Control Officer Blair Buckler, Mr. Sean Lawrence, Appellant, Ms. Elizabeth Mackay, Esquire, counsel for the Appellants, and Mr. Jacob Stich and Mrs. Amy Stich (victim). Ms. Mackay requested a postponement of this matter SO that she may have an opportunity to review the case file as she was just retained by the Lawrence two (2) days before this scheduled hearing. Discussion occurred regarding the amount of time needed, and Ms. Mackay indicated that a postponement to the next meeting would be sufficient. Laurel Matthews indicated that compliance rules must still be followed in the interim. ACO Buckler noted that since the time that Freya was deemed Potentially Dangerous, there have been two new incidents reported ofFreya being at large, and an upgrade to Dangerous may occur prior to the next meeting if Maryland Relay for Impaired Hearing or Specch: 1-800-735-2258 Animal Matters Hearing Board Open Minutes April 9, 2025 Page 2 Freya is found to be at large again. AÇO Buckler asked how Animal Control should handle future, potential violations prior to the next AMHB meeting. Ms. Lucas advised the AMHB that they cannot direct Animal Control on how to proceed regarding enforcement of the animal ordinance. Ms. Mackay advised that Appellants have since installed a fence, and Mr. Lawrence confirmed the same. Laurel Matthews reminded the Appellants that compliance is important during any postponement period. A motion was made by Laurel Matthews, seconded by Thomas Phelps, to approve a postponement to the next regular meeting. The motion carried by a vote of four in favor and three against approval oft the postponement. Old Business 1. Update - Animal Control Ordinance = April Coleman advised that the first work session occurred yesterday with the Board of County Commissioners. Feedback was good overall, though the Board had some questions about certain sections, which require more research. April advised that she would provide further information at the next meeting. Further discussion and brainstorming on the ordinance occurred between the AMHB and staff. 2. Update - Designations, Compliance, and Court Proceedings - April advised that there are no updates at this time regarding non-compliance; that open cases are in various stages of coming into compliance. April then discussed open court proceedings with outcomes. New Business None Public Comment None PSA Announcements 1. April advised that next week is Animal Control Appreciation Week, and there will be various social media posts highlighting our officers, and Friends ofthe Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter (FOLLKAS) will provide breakfast to the staff on one of the mornings next week. 2. April announced the Animal Shelter's Easter adoption promotion, running all next week except the Good Friday holiday (County Closure). Announcements None Adjournment At 6:12 p.m., a motion was made by Thomas Phelps, seconded by Laurel Matthews, to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion carried unanimously by all in attendance. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Adopted on the day of 2025 - minutes transcribed by Francie Rose. Signed M Bals - Date 5-14-25 Signed Date laa/s Maryland Relay for Impaired Hearing or Speech: 1-800-735-2258