News Summary
A Catonsville couple faces multiple charges for allegedly defrauding pet owners by providing fake ashes instead of their pets’ cremated remains. Yalanda McMullen Ward and Rodney Orlando Ward have been accused of stealing over $26,000 from grieving families and operating without proper licenses. Their business, Loving Care Pet Cremations, led to distress among victims who received bags filled with sand or concrete instead of their beloved pets’ ashes. The ongoing investigation has revealed shocking evidence, including decomposing animal bodies found at their residence.
Catonsville, MD – A Catonsville couple has been charged with scamming pet owners by allegedly providing fake ashes instead of their beloved pets’ cremated remains. Yalanda McMullen Ward, 56, and her husband, Rodney Orlando Ward, 55, are facing 56 charges, including two felony theft counts and 54 misdemeanor offenses related to malicious destruction of property.
Yalanda was arrested on August 22 and subsequently released on a $10,000 bond, while Rodney was taken into custody on August 27 and is being held without bond. The couple is accused of stealing at least $26,500 from pet owners between August 2024 and March 2025, and multiple victims have come forward to report receiving bags filled with sand, flour, or concrete instead of their pets’ ashes.
The Baltimore County Police Department initiated an investigation into Loving Care Pet Cremations after receiving numerous complaints in April 2025 regarding improper disposal of animal remains. Their inquiry uncovered a disturbing operation, revealing at least 38 decomposing animal bodies discovered in a hearse parked at the Wards’ home, as well as along nearby roads. This prompted serious concerns among affected families who were left wondering about the fate of their pets.
Victims from the Baltimore area and Anne Arundel County reported being defrauded by the Wards’ business. Reports indicate at least 60 pet owners received false cremated remains, some of which contained metallic objects like wires and screws, causing distress among grieving families. One victim noted she received a bag of sand instead of her cat’s ashes, expressing relief at the couple’s arrest. Similar sentiments echoed among other victims who felt devastated after discovering that the ashes they received did not correspond to their deceased pets.
Loving Care Pet Cremations was found to be operating without proper licenses or registration with state authorities, raising further questions about their business practices. The Wards allegedly misled customers regarding the cremation services they provided without valid authorization.
In response to the shocking revelations surrounding the case, a candlelight vigil was organized by Charm City Pet Crematory in May, aimed at providing support and comfort to the affected families. Zoey Robinson-Budreski, the owner of Charm City Pet Crematory, has been active in identifying the remains of recovered animals and assisting victims in their time of need. Despite ongoing efforts, there are still seven pets from this case that remain unaccounted for.
As the investigation unfolds, the Baltimore County Police Department is continuing to look into the allegations against the Wards. Families impacted by this disturbing scheme are seeking justice and answers regarding the whereabouts and treatment of their beloved pets.
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Additional Resources
- WBALTV
- Wikipedia: Pet Cremation
- CBS News
- Google Search: Pet Cremation Scandal
- Fox Baltimore
- Google Scholar: Pet Cremation Fraud
- Baltimore Sun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet Funerals
- MSN News
- Google News: Catonsville Pet Crematorium
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
