Dogs Left Without Water Or Shelter Lead To Animal Cruelty Charges In Calvert

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — A Calvert County woman is facing multiple animal cruelty and abandonment charges after allegedly leaving two dogs without water or shelter along a roadside, according to court documents.

Megan Marie Wetklow, 33, of Chesapeake Beach, has been charged by criminal summons with eight counts of failing to provide proper care for animals and two counts of animal abandonment stemming from a March 22, 2026 incident.

According to the statement of charges, deputies were called after two dogs, identified as “Fendi” and “Gypsy,” were reportedly left on the side of a road near a residence. Upon making contact, Wetklow told deputies she had dropped the dogs off after an argument with her boyfriend and believed someone at the location would take them in.

Investigators determined the dogs were left in a crate that restricted their movement and were exposed to the elements without proper protection. Deputies also reported the animals were left without water at the time they were discovered.

Court documents indicate Wetklow initially stated the dogs belonged to her boyfriend but later admitted she was responsible for leaving them at the location without confirming anyone would retrieve them.

Authorities charged Wetklow with multiple counts related to failing to provide proper drink, space, shelter, and protection from weather, as well as abandoning the animals.

A preliminary inquiry is scheduled for June 1, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

Under Maryland law, each count of animal cruelty can carry penalties including fines and potential jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.

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