§ 10-303 Humane care required.
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code § 10-303 (2026)
§ 10-303 Humane care required.LinkCopy Citation
Every owner or custodian of an animal must provide the animal with humane care and treatment, which includes providing all of the following:
(1)
sufficient and wholesome food and water, which means:
(i)
at least once a day, the animal must be fed food of a sufficient quantity and with adequate nutritive value, in clean and sanitary receptacles; and
(ii)
the animal must have clean and drinkable water available at all times;
(2)
proper shelter and protection from the weather, which means:
(i)
the animal must be kept reasonably free of urine, fecal matter, and any other trash or hazardous material;
(ii)
the animal must have reasonable protection to minimize heat exposure; and
(iii)
the animal must have access to a structurally sound shelter in good repair that provides suitable protection from the elements;
(3)
veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or to maintain the animal’s health; and
(4)
sufficient exercise space, which means:
(i)
the animal must have proper space to be able to stand to its full height, stretch out, turn around, lie down, and make normal postural adjustments comfortably;
(ii)
the animal must be allowed to exercise and must be given freedom of movement as necessary to maintain good physical condition; and
(iii)
more specifically for dogs, cats, and feral cats:
A.
a dog. cat, or feral cat may only be confined to a cage for temporary confinement; and
B.
if a dog is caged, it must be removed from the cage and exercised at least:
1.
twice daily for at least half an hour each time; or
2.
once a day for a minimum of 2 hours.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Ord. 11-573