# Part III – Complaint Process

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 10-114 Initiation of complaint.

Balt., Md., Code § 10-114 (2026)

(a) Any person may submit a complaint to the Office if the person knows of:

  (1) a violation of this title or of a rule or regulation adopted under this title; or

  (2) a violation of any other animal control or protection law, rule, or regulation of this City or State.

(b) The complaint must be:

  (1) a written complaint in a form that the Office requires; or

  (2) an oral complaint that is recorded in the City’s 311 system.

(c) The complaint must:

  (1) describe the animal;

  (2) identify where it is located; and

  (3) state in clear language how the animal is in violation of any law, rule, or regulation.

*History: Ord. 11-573*

## § 10-115 Investigation of complaint.

Balt., Md., Code § 10-115 (2026)

(a) Once a complaint has been submitted and reviewed by the Office, an animal enforcement officer may investigate the complaint to determine its validity.

(b) If the Office determines the complaint to be valid, the Office may direct an owner or custodian to properly follow any provision of the animal control and protection laws, rules, and regulations of this City and State.

(c) If the owner or custodian is aggrieved by the action of the Office, the person may request a hearing under Subtitle 10 of this title.

*History: Ord. 11-573*

## § 10-116 Finding animal to be dangerous or vicious.

Balt., Md., Code § 10-116 (2026)

If, on investigation of a complaint, the Office believes that the animal is a dangerous or vicious animal, the Office must:

(1) submit a written investigation report to the Animal Hearing Panel; and

(2) impound the animal pending a hearing by the Animal Hearing Panel.

*History: Ord. 11-573*

*History: Ord. 22-124*