Huntingtown Woman Faces 15 Counts Of Animal Cruelty And Public Nuisance Charges

HUNTINGTOWN, Md. — Nanikala Louise Carr, 34, of Huntingtown, was issued a summons on Oct. 17, 2025, on three counts of public nuisance and is scheduled for trial on seven counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of failure to provide care on Jan. 7, 2026, in St. Mary’s County District Court.

According to police documents, law enforcement responded to a residence on Oct. 10, 2025, following reports of a large white-and-tan dog allegedly acting aggressively toward residents and livestock in the area. The dog, identified by authorities as belonging to Carr, was reported to have barked and lunged at multiple individuals, including police officers. Victims told police that Carr stated she was about an hour away when contacted. Animal control officers secured the dog using a catch pole and transported it safely. Carr was later charged with three counts of public nuisance in connection with this incident.

In a separate case, on Aug. 7, 2025, authorities located a palomino quarter horse, a Shetland pony and a Welsh cross-type pony running loose near Sade Court and Stinnett Road. The horses were identified as belonging to Carr and were transported to the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter. Officers noted signs of distress in one of the animals, and police reports state that Carr gave verbal permission for veterinary care.

On Aug. 18, 2025, law enforcement reportedly returned to Carr’s residence after receiving concerns about animal welfare. According to the report, officers observed the quarter horse and two ponies, along with a gray Percheron, allegedly without sufficient access to food or water. A large rubber water trough was partially filled, and police stated that the ponies appeared unable to reach it. Several rabbits in hutches were also observed without food or water, though police reported that chickens on the property appeared adequately cared for. A large Anatolian shepherd-type dog had access to water and shelter, and a bulldog-type dog inside the home appeared healthy. Officers said they provided water to the horses and rabbits upon arrival. A veterinarian later assessed the horses and determined they were dehydrated.

Police reports indicate that officers followed up with additional visits. On Aug. 19, they spoke with an individual who reportedly moved in to assist Carr. On Aug. 21, Carr told authorities she was relocating two of the larger horses and confirmed all animals were vaccinated, with a veterinary appointment scheduled for one of the ponies. On Aug. 27, police verified with a local veterinary hospital that the only animal in Carr’s custody at that time was the Anatolian dog, who had up-to-date rabies vaccinations. According to reports, the pony in distress had not been scheduled for care.

Under Maryland law, the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is three years in prison and a $5,000 fine per count. Failure to provide care carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $2,500 fine per count. Public nuisance charges each carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.

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