GERMANTOWN, Md. — A Germantown man has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty for leaving the family dog to die in his backyard, officials with Montgomery County animal service said.

Katherine Zenzano, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, said the charges stem from a neighbor’s call to animal services.

On June 21, an animal services officer visited the Germantown home of Ronald Vaughan and found a small white dog crying and barking inside a wire crate that was draped in a towel. The crate with the dog in it had been left in the backyard. “Even from a distance, the officer could see a number of flies encircling the crate,” according to a news release from animal services.

According to animal control officers, Vaughan said he had been on vacation and that a friend had been looking after the 10-year-old Maltese-type dog, whose name was Cholula. The friend said that Cholula had flies on her—an examination showed that the dog had wounds on her body that had become infested with maggots.

Animal services officers said that Vaughan claimed he had planned to take the dog to a vet, but that no appointments had been scheduled for the dog. Cholula was brought to animal control and after an examination by their veterinarian, it was determined her wounds and the subsequent infection and infestation were too extensive to treat. The dog was euthanized.

A cat and a 6-month-old bulldog puppy were found inside Vaughan’s home—they were reportedly in good condition, with no signs of neglect or abuse. They were taken into custody pending the outcome of the cruelty case against Vaughan. Officials said Vaughan’s indicated he’ll appeal the seizure of the animals.

If found guilty of cruelty, Vaughan could face up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 dollar fine—or both , for each charge against him.