Animal Matters Hearing Board

Overview

The Animal Matters Hearing Board (AMHB) will hear and decide administrative appeals pertaining to the enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 7 of the Calvert County Code; and the only advisory board to make recommendations for the amendment to the chapter.

A person aggrieved by the decision of the AMHB could petition the Circuit Court to review that decision.

Composition

The Animal Matters Hearing Board shall consist of at least five (5) and not more than seven (7) members.

  • One shall be with an affiliation with an animal welfare rescue group;
  • One shall be with a professional animal organization such as a hunt club, American Kennel Club, or K-9 search and rescue; 
  • One Deputy Sheriff, selected by the Sheriff; 
  • One shall be a Veterinarian, or Veterinarian Technician (with three or more years of experience); 
  • Up to three (3) members shall be citizens (without affiliation of an animal welfare rescue group)

Members

  • Ms. Erin Farley, Citizen
  • Ms. Laurel M. Matthews, Animal Welfare Rescue Group Affiliation
  • Dr. Megan Noyes, Veterinarian
  • Mr. Thomas S. Phelps, Deputy
  • Ms. Helen A. Prince, Professional Animal Organization Affiliation
  • Ms. Dawn Shonkwiler, Citizen
  • Vacancy, Citizen

Open Meetings

The next regular meeting  is scheduled for Wednesday,  December 13, 2023  at  The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, 5055 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick, Maryland.  

Animal Matters Hearing Board complies with the Open Meetings Act by publishing monthly meetings: Agendas and Minutes

Annual Report

The Animal Matters Hearing Board publishes an annual report (PDF) in compliance with Ordinance 40-16 (PDF).

Contact

Contact the clerk via email with any questions.