# Sec. 3-137. Dangerous animals; restrictions

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 3-137. Dangerous animals; restrictions

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 3-137 (2026)

(a) One or more of the following shall be required as deemed appropriate under the circumstances, and as deemed necessary for the protection of the public or other animals for an animal declared as dangerous:

  (1) The dangerous animal shall be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult 18 years or older whenever the animal is on public premises.

  (2) The dangerous animal shall be securely confined by the owner or custodian within a building or secure enclosure and shall not be taken out of such building or secure enclosure unless securely restrained. The confinement device shall be designed to: (i) prevent the escape of the animal; (ii) protect the public from unauthorized contact with the animal; and (iii) to protect the animal from the elements.

  (3) The dangerous animal shall not be upon any street or public place, except while securely restrained, humanely muzzled if appropriate to the species, and in the charge of a responsible adult. The muzzle must be appropriate to the species, not to injure or interfere with the animal's vision or respiration, and be secured in a manner that prevents it from biting any person or animal.

  (4) The dangerous animal shall be securely restrained on a leash whenever the animal is on public premises, under the immediate control of a responsible adult.

  (5) The owner of a dangerous animal shall, at his or her own expense, have the identification number assigned to the dangerous animal by the Administrator tattooed or microchipped upon the animal by a licensed veterinarian. The Administrator may designate the location of the tattoo or microchip.

  (6) The owner of a dangerous animal shall display a conspicuous sign, on the premises where the animal is permanently maintained, that a dangerous animal is located on those premises. The form and location of the sign shall be subject to the approval of the Administrator.

  (7) The owner of a dangerous animal shall consent to periodic inspections, in addition to annual compliance inspections, by the Administrator.

  (8) The owner of a dangerous animal shall report the status of the animal in writing to the Administrator every three (3) months and shall notify the Administrator immediately prior to the removal of the animal from the approved premises.

  (9) The owner of a dangerous animal shall not sell, give away or dispose of the animal without the consent of the Administrator.

  (10) The owner of a dangerous animal shall comply with any and all other requirements or conditions imposed by the Commission.

  (11) The dangerous animal shall be spayed or neutered, at the owner's expense.

  (12) The dangerous animal shall be evaluated by a certified animal behaviorist, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, and attend an obedience/behavior training course and provide a certificate of completion. The owner of the animal shall be responsible for all costs associated with evaluations, training or other treatment ordered under this Section.

(b) The owner of the animal shall be held strictly liable for any violation of this Section and for any damages caused hereby.

(c) If after two (2) years of being declared dangerous, there have been no further issues with the animal, the owner can petition the Commission to have the designation and the requirements lifted.

(d) The dangerous animal as evidenced by aggravating circumstances, or by previous unjustified attacks on a person or animal sustaining serious injury or death, shall become the property of Prince George's County.

(e) The owner of a dangerous animal may be banned from owning, possessing, or caring for animals for up to five (5) years subject to the right to petition the Board for a waiver based on good cause shown.