Board fines Inga Simone Harrison, holds bulk of fines in abeyance after dogs deemed potentially dangerous

The Charles County Bridal Matters Hearing Board on June 2 found Inga Simone Harrison in violation of multiple county animal-control provisions after animal-control officers recovered two pit‑bull–type dogs, Peppa and Penelope, that had been running loose.

Animal control officer Austin Ingram testified that on May 21 he responded to a report at 1141 Harbor Road in Waldorf, secured two leashed canines, scanned microchips and found that both dogs had prior impounds and expired license and rabies-vaccination records. "Peppa was confirmed to be on her 3rd impound," Ingram said in testimony entered as county exhibits. Records in the file also show the dogs had been previously designated potentially dangerous or vicious.

Inga Simone Harrison told the board she did not realize the licenses had lapsed and said the dogs escaped after an 11‑year‑old visiting niece left a front door ajar. "I just haven't had a chance to go down there and renew them," Harrison said.

After questioning and a motion from board member James Sherman, seconded by Dr. Michelle Quigley, the board found Harrison in violation of Charles County provisions for failure to maintain an individual license, allowing animals at large, failure to provide proof of rabies vaccination, and failure to comply with abatements for dangerous or potentially dangerous animals. The board imposed a total fine of $450 per citation and announced that $400 of the assessed fines would be held in abeyance for one year. The board also ordered payment of animal‑care fees to reclaim the animals.

Transcript references show a discrepancy in the amount of the shelter fee discussed: shelter staff and the officer at different points referenced $455 per dog and $910 for both dogs. The board announced that the animal‑care fee must be paid by noon the following day; county staff later clarified the combined care fee was $910 for both animals. Lieutenant Katie Roche and other staff warned that if the dogs are seized again and deemed dangerous or vicious, they would likely not be adoptable and could be euthanized.

Chair Matthew Cook emphasized the public-safety basis for the action and cautioned Harrison that continued violations would prompt stricter enforcement. "Don't come before this board again, please," Cook said. The decision included standard abatements requiring compliant enclosures, updated licensing and vaccinations, and future checks by animal-control officers.

The board recorded the findings and moved on to other cases; board counsel and staff will follow up to confirm whether the required abatements and fees are completed.