Maryland Lawmakers Propose Bill to Regulate Pet Cremation Services

Victims of unlicensed crematorium scam testify in support of new regulations

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Victims of an unlicensed pet crematorium scam in Baltimore County have testified before the Maryland House of Delegates in support of a proposed bill that would establish consumer regulations for pet cremation services. The bill, introduced by Maryland delegate Nick Allen, would require pet cremation businesses to register with the state, keep detailed records, and provide pet owners with written documentation.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation comes after a high-profile case where the owner of an unlicensed pet crematorium, Rodney Ward, was charged with taking money from grieving pet owners for cremation services but instead giving them materials like concrete powder and improperly disposing of the pets. This case highlighted the lack of regulations in the pet cremation industry and the need to protect consumers from similar scams.

The details

The bill, known as House Bill 564, would give the Maryland Attorney General's Office the ability to enforce regulations on pet cremation businesses. It would require them to register with the state, keep detailed records, and provide pet owners with written documentation, including the type of cremation requested and identification information for the animal. The bill would also require animal remains to be stored in a dignified manner.

  • On Tuesday, Rodney Ward pleaded guilty in Baltimore County for running an unlicensed pet crematorium.
  • Ward and his wife, Yalanda, were both charged in connection with the scam at Loving Care Pet Funeral and Cremation Services in Catonsville.
  • In April, investigators found the remains of 38 different animals in the back of a hearse in West Baltimore.
  • If passed, the bill would go into effect on October 1, 2026.

The players

Nick Allen

A Maryland delegate who introduced House Bill 564 to establish consumer regulations for pet cremation services.

Rodney Ward

The owner of an unlicensed pet crematorium in Baltimore County who pleaded guilty to charges of theft and malicious destruction of property.

Yalanda Ward

The wife of Rodney Ward, who was also charged in connection with the pet cremation scam.

Nikki Pickens

A victim of the pet cremation scam who testified in support of the proposed legislation.

Joy Schoonover

A victim of the pet cremation scam who testified that her cat's remains were found by police, stuffed in the back of a hearse with the remains of 37 other pets.

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What they’re saying

“I was asked by constituents to do something about this, and I know for a lot of people, their pets are members of their family. I can't imagine being in this situation and how devastating this would be.”

— Nick Allen, Maryland Delegate (cbsnews.com)

“No other pet owner should have to learn from a police search that their beloved companion was treated like trash. Garfield's remains were found by police, stuffed in the back of a hearse, where he was one of 38 pets discovered during their search.”

— Joy Schoonover (cbsnews.com)

“The crematory business, there is protection for the humans, but there are none for the pets.”

— Nikki Pickens (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Rodney Ward will be sentenced on March 31, and Yalanda Ward's trial is scheduled for May 6.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight in the pet cremation industry to protect grieving pet owners from unscrupulous practices and ensure their beloved companions are treated with dignity. The proposed legislation aims to establish clear standards and accountability measures to prevent similar scams from occurring in the future.