Chesapeake Beach Man Charged After Dogs Found Chained Without Water And Shelter

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — A Chesapeake Beach man has been charged after animal control authorities alleged two dogs were found chained outside without proper water, bedding or shelter, with both later examined by a veterinarian.

William Marshal Donaldson, 68, of Chesapeake Beach, is charged in Calvert District Court with two counts of animal cruelty/failure to provide, two counts of shelter for dogs and one count of limited outdoor tethering dogs, according to charging documents.

The case stems from a May 1, 2026, animal control response to Donaldson’s property involving a small bulldog-type dog running at large in the roadway. According to the application for statement of charges, animal control made contact with Donaldson and advised that the dog, Nato, had gotten off his chain and was back on it.

The officer documented that Nato’s tether did not have swivels on both ends and did not restrict movement by less than one-fifth of the dog’s body weight. Animal control also reported that Nato had no proof of a dog license, rabies vaccination or county license.

While on the property, the officer observed two igloo-style dog houses and reported that both contained no bedding or nonabsorbent bedding. The officer also documented that neither dog had water.

Animal control issued a compliance notice requiring Donaldson to address the lack of bedding, proper tethering, proper water and proof of rabies vaccination for both dogs by May 15, 2026, according to charging documents.

Animal control returned to the home on May 15 and met with Donaldson. Charging documents allege Donaldson had not obtained vaccination information for Nato or Storm. The officer also reported that Nato and Storm remained chained during uncomfortable warm weather and that neither dog had water despite being outside.

According to the application for statement of charges, Nato’s chain had been replaced with a smaller chain, but the officer documented that once again it did not contain a swivel and the other dog remained on a heavy chain.

Animal control removed both dogs from the property and transported them to the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter.

A veterinarian later examined both dogs at Solomons Veterinary Medical Center. According to charging documents, the veterinarian observed that Nato had fly strike and scabbing on both ears, lick granulomas on both hocks and lower-lid entropions in both eyes. Storm was also noted to have fly strike on both ears, several fractured teeth and lower-lid entropions in both eyes.

Donaldson was issued a criminal summons on May 21, 2026. The summons lists five total charges tied to the May 15 incident.

A preliminary inquiry is scheduled for July 6, 2026, at Calvert District Court in Prince Frederick.

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