Prince George's Co. Puts Health Director on Administrative Leave

HARWOOD, Md. - Prince George's County's Public Health Director Dr. Frederick Corder is on administrative leave after being charged with several counts of animal cruelty.

The announcement came in a two sentence news release from Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson.

Johnson named Deputy Health Department Director Gwendolyn Clerkley as acting director.

Corder was charged Wednesday with two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty for neglecting two miniature horses that were seized last month, Anne Arundel County police said. And, Corder was charged with six misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.

Arundel animal control officers seized two horses and six Shar-Pei dogs June 9 from property belonging to Corder.

When the animals were seized, the two horses had sores in their mouths from unfiled teeth and were suffering from "elf shoes," meaning their hooves had curled up, authorities said. The dogs were kept in unsanitary conditions, and one had a skin infection, officials said.

"I would venture to say that this is one of the most severe cases this agency has ever seen," animal control administrator Tahira Shane Thomas said after officials seized the animals.

One of the horses was euthanized June 28 after its health deteriorated.

Corder has said the animals were supposed to have been cared for by the tenant leasing the property.

Corder, who has served as Prince George's County's chief public health officer since December 2003, was investigated for a similar incident two years ago in which three miniature horses suffered from the same neglect of their hooves. No charges were filed.

Aggravated animal cruelty is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Animal neglect is punishable by up to 90 days in prison and a $1,000 fine.

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