Worcester County Woman Sentenced in Animal Cruelty Case

Worcester County, MD - A Worcester County woman has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of animal cruelty and theft following an investigation that uncovered dozens of animals living in dangerous conditions.

On May 21, 2026, Patricia Gadaleta was found guilty of theft scheme and multiple counts of animal cruelty in Worcester County. She was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, with all but 3.5 years suspended.

The case began on June 10, 2025, when members of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, and Worcester County Animal Control executed a search and seizure warrant at a Snow Hill residence. The Worcester County State's Attorney's Office assisted with the operation.

What investigators found inside was alarming. A total of 57 dogs and 9 cats were discovered confined in crates inside dark basements, garages, and sheds. There was no air conditioning or adequate ventilation in these spaces.

Many of the crates held multiple animals at once. The animals were forced to stand and lie on top of one another, with most of them covered in urine and feces. Temperatures inside continued to rise throughout the day as officers worked to remove them.

Once transported to the Animal Control Facility, each animal was evaluated by a veterinarian.

Many dogs required cooling measures, including cold hosing, to bring their body temperatures down. Veterinary assessments revealed a wide range of serious conditions including emaciation, broken teeth, skin conditions, untreated masses, infections, tick-borne diseases, and intestinal parasites. Some conditions were deemed untreatable.

Thanks to the efforts of Humane World for Animals, 30 of the dogs were successfully rehomed. Local shelters and humane societies assisted with placing the remaining animals.

Investigators determined that Gadaleta bought and sold numerous dogs using multiple aliases and fraudulent methods. She has been known to use the names Missy Adams, Page Benakowski, Page Benna, Page B, Meg Kippler, Helen Piela, Elaine Buffington, and Aubrey Newman.

Investigators believe additional individuals and businesses may have been victimized. Anyone who believes they were a victim or has relevant information is asked to contact the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department's mobile app at https://apps.myocv.com/share/a87521863.

A video containing actual footage of this incident has been included at the bottom of this article. The content may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.