Magdalina H. Fisher, 61, and her daughter Sarah H. Fisher, 20, both of Mechanicsville, face more than 100 combined animal-related charges after authorities investigated a dog-breeding property on Woodburn Hill Road in Mechanicsville. Magdalina Fisher faces 51 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide animals with proper care and nine misdemeanor counts of unlawful surgery on a dog, while Sarah Fisher faces 44 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide animals with proper care. The charges stem from allegations that dogs and puppies at the property were kept in unsafe or unsanitary conditions and, in some cases, lacked proper air, space, drinking water or veterinary care.
The investigation began on April 13, 2026, when Animal Control Officers with the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services Animal Services Division went to the property for a commercial kennel inspection. According to an application filed by DFC Allison Mattera of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, officers met with Magdalina Fisher, who was identified as the property owner.
During the inspection, authorities said Magdalina Fisher showed officers two outbuildings where she housed expecting mothers and their puppies, along with “dry dogs,” described in the court documents as dogs that were not pregnant or nursing. Animal Services Division Manager H. Lampe reported a moderate ammonia odor in the nursing building and a strong ammonia smell in the dry building. The filing also says thin layers of wood shavings were being used as makeshift bedding, and that shavings were found in food and water bowls, raising concerns that dogs and puppies could ingest the material.
Animal control staff reported concerns about kennel sanitation and dog safety. Many puppies appeared to have short or docked tails and removed dew claws, according to the filing. Investigators said Magdalina Fisher admitted she performed those procedures herself using a sharp tool. Authorities also said most of the dogs did not have proper rabies vaccinations.
On May 6, 2026, authorities executed a search and seizure warrant at the property. Magdalina Fisher’s husband, son and daughter were also present, according to the filing. Investigators said they again noticed a strong ammonia smell in the buildings and saw wood shavings in many food and water bowls. During the search, Magdalina Fisher identified Sarah Fisher as the primary provider for the dogs, according to the application. Sarah Fisher allegedly admitted she had been raising and caring for dogs since she was 11 years old. Investigators also said Sarah Fisher helped remove dogs from their stalls and knew several mother dogs by name.
Authorities seized or received a total of 36 dogs and puppies from the property, including 20 miniature poodles, nine Shih Tzus and seven Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The miniature poodles included Lillian and six puppies, Cookie and six puppies, an unnamed dog and four puppies, and a pregnant dog named Lilac. The Shih Tzus included Fern and four puppies, Polly and two puppies, and a surrendered female Shih Tzu. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels included Cassie and six puppies.
Before leaving the property, investigators said Magdalina Fisher admitted to removing puppies’ dew claws and docking their tails using “sharp pliers.” She allegedly stated that she performs those procedures when the puppies are two to three days old. According to the filing, Magdalina Fisher then asked Sarah Fisher to retrieve the pliers from the residence so they could be photographed.
The seized dogs were taken to the St. Mary’s County Animal Services building in California, Maryland, where medical examinations were conducted. Investigators said Lillian had bleeding, infected sores on her stomach, shavings embedded in her fur and tartar on her teeth. Cookie’s puppies were reported to have cracking lung sounds and clear nasal discharge, and all six had dirty coats and needed veterinary monitoring for respiratory concerns.
One puppy from pen A10, later named Juno for documentation purposes, was described as having congenital defects known to the owner and not accepting tube feeding. Authorities said Juno was humanely euthanized. Other puppies from the same pen were reported to have docked tails with scabbing, while the mother dog had heavy matting and a strong ammonia odor.
Polly, a Shih Tzu, was described as emaciated, with fur embedded with urine and feces. The filing says pus and discharge were noted, along with a pungent ammonia smell. Polly’s puppies were reported to have minor crackling noises in their lungs, clear nasal discharge and eye discharge. Lilac was described as having feces caked to her rectum and wood shavings matted into her fur.
Sarah Fisher faces 44 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide animals with proper care. The allegations include failing to provide proper air to multiple dogs and puppies, drinking water to Cassie, Lillian and Polly, and necessary veterinary care to several dogs, including Lillian, Charles, Colby, Crystal, Caleb, Carl, Chase, Juno and Polly.
Magdalina Fisher faces 60 total charges, including 51 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide animals with proper care and nine misdemeanor counts of unlawful surgery on a dog. The unlawful surgery counts are tied to allegations involving docked tails and removed dew claws, while the animal-care counts involve allegations that dogs and puppies lacked proper air, space, drinking water and veterinary care.
Both cases were filed in June 2026 and remain open. Court information lists a preliminary inquiry for both women on July 24, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court.
