LOTHIAN, Md.— An Anne Arundel County police officer and his wife have been charged with neglecting their dog to the point where it had to be euthanized.

Police say Stephen Harr and Cheri Harr have each been charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Stephen Harr is an 11-year veteran of the county police department. He’s been placed on administrative duty while the investigation continues.

Police say the underweight dog was loose and was taken to the county’s animal control facility on Dec. 22. Six days later, police say the Harrs called and reported that the dog was theirs.

Police say the dog’s medical problems were found to have resulted from neglect. The dog underwent surgery on Jan. 3, but its condition did not improve and it was euthanized on Monday.

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