A Baltimore County couple is facing criminal charges after allegedly scamming grieving pet owners by faking cremations and returning bags of false ashes. Rodney and Yalanda Ward, owners of Loving Care Pet Funeral and Cremation Services in Catonsville, Maryland, are accused of dumping animal remains while continuing to charge families for cremation services.
Rodney Ward has been charged with 56 counts of malicious destruction of property, felony theft, and conspiracy. His wife, Yalanda, is facing the same charges. Prosecutors say the couple operated a fraudulent business for over a year, deceiving more than 50 pet owners. The returned ashes were not pet remains, but instead filled with items like gravel, sand, vermiculite, and baking soda.
Baltimore County State’s Attorney Adam Lippe stated, “None of those boxes came back to be pet remains.” The investigation began in March 2025 after several pet carcasses were discovered discarded along local roads. Authorities later searched the Wards’ property and found 38 animal bodies inside a hearse.
Rodney Ward was denied bail during an August 28 court hearing after fleeing authorities for a week before his arrest. Prosecutors argued he was a flight risk and a danger to the community. Yalanda Ward was arrested earlier and has since posted $10,000 bail.
The Wards allegedly continued their operation even while under investigation. Prosecutors say that despite law enforcement’s efforts, seven animals are still unaccounted for, and families are left devastated. One victim described the ashes she received as “beach sand,” not consistent with cremated remains.
Prosecutor Lippe emphasized the emotional toll on the victims, stating, “I may not be able to find their pets’ remains, but hopefully I’ll be able to close the story, the tragedy for them about how mean this crime is.” The state is pushing for a swift resolution as the case proceeds to trial.
