Veterinarians Found Dog Infested With Maggots Before Euthanasia In Calvert Animal Cruelty Case

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Two Prince Frederick men are facing animal cruelty charges after Calvert County Animal Control investigators alleged a Welsh corgi under their care suffered from extensive infected wounds, a severe maggot infestation and other untreated medical conditions before being taken to a veterinary hospital, where the dog was euthanized.

Aaron Martinez, 22, and Eladio Martinez, 47, both of Prince Frederick, were each charged in the District Court for Calvert County with two misdemeanor counts: animal cruelty for inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal and failing to provide necessary veterinary care.

According to charging documents, the investigation began after the Calvert County Department of Public Safety received an animal welfare complaint from a local animal hospital at approximately 8:39 a.m. July 1.

A veterinary technician reported that a dog brought to the hospital the previous evening appeared to be suffering from conditions consistent with severe neglect.

The dog, identified as “Yogi,” a tan-and-white male Cardigan Welsh corgi, had been brought to the hospital at approximately 5 p.m. June 30 by Aaron Martinez, according to court documents.

According to the application for charges, Aaron Martinez told veterinary staff he had noticed a foul odor coming from Yogi for several weeks and wanted to have him bathed.

Veterinary staff reported Yogi arrived covered in maggots, with an elevated body temperature and signs of shock.

A veterinarian at the hospital allegedly discovered maggots emerging from multiple areas of the dog’s body. Court documents state she also found infected wounds around the tail and hips, as well as severe injuries affecting both rear legs.

Because of the dog’s grave condition and poor prognosis, the veterinarian recommended immediate hospitalization or humane euthanasia. According to investigators, the family elected euthanasia.

Officers went to the Martinez residence on Mountain Trail later that afternoon to conduct a follow-up investigation.

The officer reported observing two Chihuahua-type dogs in the driveway before making contact with Eladio Martinez.

According to charging documents, Eladio Martinez initially told investigators he was unsure how Yogi’s condition had deteriorated so badly. When questioned further, Eladio Martinez allegedly acknowledged the dog had smelled bad for approximately two weeks.

Aaron Martinez later joined the conversation and allegedly confirmed Yogi had been emitting a foul odor for about two weeks before he was taken to the veterinarian.

Investigators also alleged Aaron Martinez admitted Yogi primarily lived outdoors and slept in the garage while the family’s other two dogs were allowed inside the residence. Aaron Martinez allegedly stated Yogi was kept outside because his father did not want the dog inside due to excessive shedding.

According to the charging documents, Aaron Martinez told investigators that he, his father and his mother all shared responsibility for feeding Yogi, providing water and caring for the dog. He also reportedly stated his mother had been away for the previous two months.

Investigators further alleged both Aaron and Eladio Martinez acknowledged Yogi had been limping, but neither realized the dog was in pain despite the severe condition later documented by veterinarians.

According to the applications, investigators concluded the dog’s untreated medical condition — including an extensive maggot infestation, infected wounds and other obvious signs of distress — caused Yogi to suffer unnecessarily because he did not receive timely veterinary care.

Both men were issued a summons on July 27, 2026. Both men are scheduled to appear for a preliminary inquiry Sept. 21, 2026, in Calvert County District Court.

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