On August 27, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer C. Montgomery responded to Allied Partners Veterinary Emergency Service (APVES) at 4135 Old Town Road in Huntingtown for the report of cruelty to a cat.
The cat had been brought to APVES two days earlier by John Gregory Hayden, Jr., who stated that the cat had been accidentally hit in the head with a croquet mallet. Hayden’s wife indicated the family wished for the cat to be euthanized so he would not suffer, which was done immediately.
Investigation into the cat’s injuries by ACO Montgomery revealed that Hayden had become angry and struck the cat with the mallet because it had defecated in the house.
Hayden, 30 of Owings, was later arrested and has been charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, which carries a possible penalty of imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding $5000 or both.
