Fake Pet Remains: Man Charged in Animal Investigation

Catonsville Pet Crematory Owner Charged with Decades of Fraud, Leaving Owners with Ashes of Strangers

Updated: 8:07 PM EDT August 27, 2025

A Catonsville, Maryland businessman and his wife are facing over 50 charges each after an inquiry revealed a years-long scheme to defraud grieving pet owners. Rodney Ward, owner of Loving Pet Care Crematory Services, and his wife, Yolanda Ward, are accused of falsely claiming to cremate pets while instead dumping the animals and providing owners with bags of sand and concrete.

The case,which has been unfolding for months following reports from 11 News Investigates,highlights a disturbing lack of oversight in the pet cremation industry and has left dozens of families heartbroken and seeking closure. Nikki Pickens, a local resident, expressed the profound impact of the alleged deception. “He has caused so much more than just pain to people,” Pickens stated. “The damage that he has done is something that cannot be fixed in any way, shape or form.”

Pickens discovered the alleged fraud after losing her 13-year-old cat, Norby, and receiving what she believed to be his ashes from Loving Pet Care Crematory Services. “I opened (the bag) myself and looked and said, ‘This looks like beach sand,'” she recounted.

Did you know? – Maryland currently has limited specific regulations governing pet cremation services, leaving pet owners vulnerable to unscrupulous practices.

The investigation gained momentum in April when 11 News Investigates first reported on irregularities at Ward’s Catonsville pet crematory. A subsequent search warrant executed at Ward’s west Baltimore home uncovered a harrowing scene: 38 animal bodies inside a hearse and additional remains dumped along roadways. Authorities estimate the scheme has been ongoing for three years, with at least 62 pet owners coming forward with complaints. Investigators believe the true number of victims is highly likely much higher.

Zoey Robinson-Budreski, owner of Charm City Pet Crematory and Funeral Services in Southeast Baltimore, has been instrumental in assisting affected families. She is working to identify recovered ashes and provide proper cremation services for the pets of Ward’s alleged victims. “He’s been doing this for three years. The 62 of those that have come forward that were found, there’s more out there,” Robinson-Budreski explained. She described the emotional toll of the situation, stating, “I have heard crying. I have seen pain. I have never heard or seen this.”

Pro tip: – When choosing a pet crematory, ask about their procedures, request a witness to the cremation process, and obtain detailed documentation.

Robinson-Budreski is now advocating for increased regulation within the pet cremation industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. “As a business owner, do I want more regulations in my life? No. As a human being and a pet lover, things have got to change, period,” she asserted. She plans to push for legislation during the next legislative session to establish stricter standards for pet cremation facilities, including mandatory licensing, regular inspections, and detailed record-keeping requirements.

Reader question: – How can the pet cremation industry better balance providing compassionate services with ensuring ethical and obvious practices?

Why did this happen? Rodney Ward allegedly operated a fraudulent scheme for at least three years, driven by financial gain. He falsely claimed to cremate pets, but rather disposed of their remains improperly. Who was involved? Rodney Ward and his wife, Yolanda Ward, are facing charges. Zoey Robinson-Budreski is assisting victims and advocating for change. What occurred? Ward’s Loving Pet Care Crematory Services deceived dozens of pet owners, providing them with ashes that were not their pets’. How did it end? Following an investigation by 11 News Investigates and a