<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="Subtitle 5 – Public Nuisance Animals">
  <section prefix="§" num="10-501" heading="Definitions.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Public nuisance animal.">“Public nuisance animal” means an animal that:<para num="(1)">is found at large;</para>
      <para num="(2)">damages the property of anyone other than its owner or custodian;</para>
      <para num="(3)">defecates on public property;</para>
      <para num="(4)">urinates or defecates on private property;</para>
      <para num="(5)">molests pedestrians or passersby;</para>
      <para num="(6)">chases vehicles;</para>
      <para num="(7)">excessively makes disturbing noises (including continued or repeated howling, barking, whining, or other utterances) that unreasonably cause annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept;</para>
      <para num="(8)">fouls the air by odor so as to unreasonably cause annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept;</para>
      <para num="(9)">causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept;</para>
      <para num="(10)">by virtue of the number or types of animals maintained, is offensive or dangerous to the pubic health, safety, or welfare;</para>
      <para num="(11)">attacks other animals; or</para>
      <para num="(12)">has been found by the Commissioner to be a public nuisance animal by virtue of being offensive or a danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Public nuisance condition.">
      <para num="(1)" heading="In general.">“Public nuisance condition” means:<para num="(i)">an unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive condition caused by:<para num="A.">the size, number, or types of animals maintained or kept;</para>
          <para num="B.">the inadequacy of the facilities; or</para>
          <para num="C.">the manner or method of holding, confining, restraining, boarding, or training animals; or</para>
        </para>
        <para num="(ii)">any other condition that the Commissioner deems to be a public nuisance condition.</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(2)" heading="Inclusions.">“Public nuisance condition” includes any premises in which:<para num="(i)">an animal is maintained or kept under a condition that constitutes neglect of or cruelty to the animal; or</para>
        <para num="(ii)">the animal is in an unsanitary condition.</para>
      </para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 11-573</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="10-502" heading="Owner or custodian to exercise care and control.">
    <text>Every owner or custodian of an animal must exercise proper care and control to prevent the animal from becoming a public nuisance animal.</text>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 11-573</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="10-503" heading="Nuisances prohibited.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">No person may keep or maintain any animal in the City in a manner that:<para num="(1)">causes or permits it to be a public nuisance animal; or</para>
      <para num="(2)">causes or permits the animal to cause a public nuisance condition.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Disturbing health, safety, or welfare.">No person may keep or maintain any animal in the City in a manner that disturbs the health, safety, or welfare of any person.</para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 11-573</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="10-504" heading="Animals at large.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="“Animal at large” defined.">“Animal at large” means any animal that is:<para num="(1)">off the premises of its owner or custodian; and</para>
      <para num="(2)">not under restraint in the manner required by § 10- 307 {“Restraints required”} of this title.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Prohibited conduct.">No owner or custodian of an animal may allow it to be an animal at large.</para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Restraints and control.">When an animal is off the premises of the owner or custodian, the animal must be:<para num="(1)">restrained as required by § 10-307 {“Restraints required”}; and</para>
      <para num="(2)">under the control of a person who is capable of controlling and physically restraining the animal.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(d)" heading="Off-leash recreation.">An animal that is participating in an off-leash activity approved by the Commissioner or is in an area and during the hours approved by the Director of Recreation and Parks for off-leash recreation is not at large unless the animal leaves the activity or area or remains beyond the approved hours.</para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 11-573</annotation>
  </section>
</baltimore-city-law>
