Man microwaves pet cat

NEWS RELEASE:  Animal Cruelty Charges
Incident: Animal Cruelty
Date of Incident: 20 April 2010
Location: 1500 block of May Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Mark Laird, 20, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 20 April 2010 at 4:00 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into animal cruelty that allegedly occurred inside a residence in the 1500 block of May Drive in Salisbury. During the investigation the deputy learned that Mark Laird was accused of placing a cat that belonged to the complainant into the microwave and turning it on. Upon initiating the investigation, the complainant advised that the cat went outside and has not been seen since the microwave and is believed to have possibly succumbed as a result. After meeting with both the suspect and witnesses, the deputy determined that the incident warranted charges being filed.
The deputy completed an Application for Statement of Charges and received a warrant for Laird’s arrest from the District Court Commissioner. On 28 April 2010 the deputy placed Laird under arrest for Animal Cruelty. After processing at the Central Booking Unit and an initial appearance in front of the District Court Commissioner, Laird was released on Personal recognizance.