Sec. 14-139.04. Animals in public buildings

In this Section the term "public building" means any building and its associated grounds and parking area located on land owned, leased, or operated by the County and authorities created by the County, excluding public housing sites.

A person may not bring or maintain an animal, as defined in Subtitle 3 of this Code, in a public building unless the animal is securely contained within an enclosure designed for the transportation of such animals.

The head of any County agency or department having management or control over a public building may permit animals on a lead and under the control of a person physically able of restraining the animal in a public building if the public official has determined that the presence of an animal is appropriate for educational or recognition purposes and that the presence of the animal will not be offensive to the occupants of the public building and the general public.

This Section does not apply to animals trained to assist persons with disabilities when in the company of such persons.

This Section shall not apply to animals trained to perform or assist in public safety and/or emergency rescue operations while employed in this capacity, including rescue, criminal search and seizure, arson, and bomb and drug sniffing.

Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).