HUNTINGTOWN, Md. — A Huntingtown woman is facing a long list of animal cruelty and neglect-related charges after authorities say a dog was found tethered outdoors in unsafe and inhumane conditions during frigid January weather in Calvert County.
Paula Patricia Holloway, 58, was charged following an investigation conducted by Calvert County Animal Control. According to court records, officers responded to a call for a dog in distress at Holloway’s residence on Jan. 16, 2026.
An animal control officer reported hearing repeated barking from the backyard before locating a black-and-tan Rottweiler mix later identified as “Jazzy.” The dog was allegedly heavily entangled in a chain tether, restricting movement to only a few inches. Investigators noted the chain was wrapped around metal piping and other objects, creating what authorities described as hazardous and unsafe conditions.
The report states the dog appeared thin and cold to the touch and was housed near a small, damaged dog structure that was cracked and missing parts. Officers further noted the shelter contained no dry bedding and that water provided to the dog was frozen solid. Food was inaccessible.
Authorities allege the tether did not meet county requirements, citing issues including improper length, lack of swivels, entanglement risk, and failure to allow the dog to safely enter or exit the shelter. The surrounding area was described as cluttered with debris and sharp objects, creating additional safety hazards.
Holloway was charged with multiple counts of failing to provide necessary food, water, shelter, and protection from the elements, along with animal cruelty and animal abuse or neglect. Several additional charges allege violations related to unsafe tethering practices, improper shelter, lack of dry bedding, and maintaining unsafe outdoor conditions.
Court documents indicate probable cause was found for all charges. Jazzy was removed from the property by animal control officers.
Holloway was served with a criminal summons on Jan. 28. She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary inquiry in Calvert District Court on March 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
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I hope she gets what she deserves! Let someone tie her to a metal pole and have little movement!!! Like it’s sad! Animals depend on house to take care of them! Feed them
Water them walk them etc….
Just no excuse for this kind of cruelty. I hope the dog finds a wonderful forever home. Shame on that lady.
Let’s chain her to a fence for 3 nights in sub 30 degree temperatures
That is a disgrace! Why own a pet if you aren’t going to look after it and care for it.
People care more about dogs than they do children.
I am getting sick and tired of people being charged with animal cruelty and then just get slapped on the wrist. When are these cruel subhumans going to get jail time for cruelty of these poor animals that rely on us for their life. And I’m not talking about a day or two in jail. I’m talking about at least three months or more, (depending on the degree of cruelty) for first offense. Do it again, six months to a year of jail time.
Shame on her, I hope she never ever is allowed to have an animal again and she is the one that should be tied up and chained up. What a POS
To all People read the above and like to comment on this, …..what makes a human do to (any) animal as indicated above, especially a woman? – cannot get my head around – any human to do cruelty to any living thing…..why, why, why? are they getting off on something like it? can any other human do anything about it when seeing this? I have, I stole it from the Property where I saw it, another time, I bought it for a price the abuser couldn’t resist, this was some years back in a neighboring County during extreme recession, when everyone had lost jobs, Rita