HUNTINGTOWN, Md. — A Huntingtown man has been charged with multiple animal cruelty offenses following an investigation into the condition of a dog kept outdoors during freezing temperatures in early February.
Quinn Augustus Freeland, 27, of Huntingtown, is charged with three counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide necessary care, along with two additional counts related to improper animal confinement. The charges stem from incidents occurring between February 2 and February 3, 2026.
Animal Control officers responded to a complaint regarding a brown Pitbull mix named “Flex” being kept outside in freezing conditions. Upon arrival, officers observed the dog secured inside a large outdoor enclosure that was not properly shoveled or maintained to prevent injury from snow and ice.
Officers reported observing a large frozen container of water inside the enclosure, along with fecal matter described as diarrhea-like in consistency and bright red in color. They also observed trash, broken wooden structures with exposed nails, and other debris inside the pen.
Freeland reportedly told officers he disagreed with the complaint and did not want anyone trespassing on his property. He stated the dog was healthy and acknowledged feeding Flex cooked chicken bones. Officers advised that the dog required veterinary care and improvements to the shelter.
When officers returned the following day, they reported that the enclosure conditions remained similar, including frozen water and snow accumulation. Officers indicated Freeland had not taken the dog for veterinary care at that time. He allegedly stated he did not believe the dog required medical attention and that taking the dog to a veterinarian was not an option.
Freeland was issued a criminal summons on February 24, 2026, which was later served.
A preliminary inquiry hearing is scheduled for April 13, 2026, in Calvert District Court.
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My guy doesn’t even DESERVE to know the absolute joy, companionship, intelligence and love that comes with the privilege of having a terrier in your family. Dude needs a composter not a sweet pittie. It’s like he named him after the care he gave.
please tell us you took the dog from him?????
I hope they took the dogs he had .
This guy is a repeat offender as is his family. Not sure what’s wrong with Calvert’s animal control but it needs to check in on some of its residents as to who can and absolutely CANNOT have animals.
There is no excuse 4 this, I pray the dog was taken from him? And feeding him chicken bones, Omg thats so harmful 2 dogs. I wish so bad that treatment like this and any other animal abuse, should b done 2 the cruel, heartless and horrible people that do it. They deserve 2 go through what they did 2 the animal/animals.