Local Government (GLG) — Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory

sales of dog licenses;

keeping records of dog licenses; and

enforcing this subtitle.

The governing body shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.

A cancellation under this paragraph:

shall enforce this subtitle; and

may issue a summons to a person who violates a provision of this subtitle.

this subtitle shall be enforced by:

the sheriff, a deputy authorized by the sheriff, or an animal control officer may issue a summons to any person violating a provision of this subtitle.

the dog for which the license is sought has been professionally trained as a service dog; and

the owner is aware that the owner may be liable, under § 7–705 of the Human Services Article, for damages caused by the service dog to premises or facilities.

be orange;

be labeled “service dog”; and

indicate that it is issued by the State.

The governing body of a county, by local law or ordinance, may provide for the compensation of a person whose poultry or livestock is destroyed or injured by a dog.

A local law or ordinance enacted under this section may require the sheriff of the county, a county official, or other person to:

If the owner of the dog cannot be determined, the governing body may compensate the owner of the poultry or livestock that was destroyed or injured, in accordance with the appraisal, from:

A sworn report of the appraiser is prima facie evidence of the fairness of damages in each instance.

If the governing body determines the amount of the appraisal to be unfair, the governing body may award compensation in an amount that the governing body determines to be fair.

If the owner of the dog is known, the governing body shall direct the owner to euthanize the dog immediately.

If the owner refuses or neglects to euthanize the dog after being directed to do so by the governing body:

The tax collector shall credit dog license fees to:

The dog license fees may be used:

If the governing body enacts a local law or ordinance under subsection (c) of this section, claims shall be paid in the order in which the claims are filed and proved.

A person whose claim is not paid in a particular year due to lack of money available to satisfy the claim shall be paid out of the first money that subsequently becomes available.

A claim that is filed and proved, but remains unpaid, shall have preference over any subsequent claim.

name of the licensee;

address of the licensee;

number of dogs maintained by the licensee; and

number of puppies sold by the licensee in the preceding year.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

issuing dog licenses;

keeping records of all sales of licenses;

designating persons authorized to sell licenses; and

seizing and disposing of dogs found running at large in the county.

The county commissioners shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.

A cancellation under this paragraph:

has all the powers of a peace officer;

may sell and issue dog licenses; and

may seize and dispose of stray, injured, or sick dogs in accordance with a rule, regulation, or resolution passed in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.

establish an animal shelter; or

seize, dispose of, or euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

establish an animal shelter; or

collect, dispose of, or euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;

imprinted with the expiration date of the license;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

2 inches or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 50 cents.

issuing dog licenses;

keeping records of dog licenses;

enforcing the rules and regulations; and

any other matter concerning dogs the county commissioners consider necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare.

by ordinance, provide for the regulation, humane treatment, and keeping of domestic animals;

by resolution, provide for the quarantine of all dogs in the county if the county commissioners determine that quarantine is necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare; and

by ordinance, provide a penalty for a violation of an ordinance enacted under this subsection of imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

issue a subpoena to compel parties in a dispute to appear before the Board;

assess a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for a violation of an ordinance adopted under subsection (c) of this section; and

collect a civil penalty imposed under this paragraph.

A dog running at large in Calvert County without the proper license tag attached is a nuisance and is subject to seizure, detention, and euthanasia.

Whenever possible, the animal control officer or deputy animal control officer shall seize and impound a dog found running at large in the county without the proper license tag attached.

If an animal control officer or a deputy animal control officer is not able to catch a dog running at large in the county without a proper license tag, the animal control officer or deputy animal control officer may shoot or otherwise kill the dog.

The County Commissioners of Calvert County, by ordinance, may provide that an owner of a dog may not allow the dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to run at large within a platted subdivision or district zoned residential if:

The county commissioners shall designate the boundary limits of each area affected as part of any ordinance enacted under this paragraph.

A dog impounded under this section shall be held for its owner for 72 hours.

A dog shall be released to its owner or an agent of the owner during the 72 hours if the owner or agent:

If a dog impounded under this subsection is not redeemed by its owner within 72 hours:

During the additional 48 hours, any person may obtain ownership of the dog by paying the fee for the costs of seizing and impounding the dog and by purchasing a license for the dog.

issuing dog licenses;

keeping records of all sales of licenses;

designating persons authorized to sell licenses; and

seizing and disposing of dogs found running at large in the county.

The county commissioners shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.

A cancellation under this paragraph:

has all the powers of a peace officer;

may sell and issue dog licenses; and

may seize and dispose of stray, injured, unlicensed, diseased, or vicious dogs in accordance with rules and regulations of the county commissioners.

establish and maintain an animal shelter; and

collect, care for, or euthanize dogs.

the licensing and control of domestic animals and wild animals kept in captivity;

seizing and disposing of unlicensed or dangerous dogs;

the regulation of persons who own or keep any vicious animal or an animal that disturbs the peace of a neighborhood; and

reasonable penalties for a violation of an ordinance not exceeding imprisonment for 30 days or a fine of $500 or both.

may regulate animals that are hybrids of domestic and wild animals; but

may not regulate or control wild animals that are not owned or kept by individuals.

issuing dog licenses;

keeping records of all sales of licenses;

designating persons authorized to sell licenses; and

seizing and disposing of any dogs found running at large in the county.

The county commissioners shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.

A cancellation under this paragraph:

has all the powers of a peace officer;

may sell and issue dog licenses; and

may seize and dispose of stray, injured, or sick dogs in accordance with a rule, regulation, or resolution passed in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

establish an animal shelter; or

seize, dispose of, or euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

establish an animal shelter; and

collect and euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

the licensing and control of domestic animals and wild animals kept in captivity;

the establishment of separate domestic animal control districts with separate resolutions or ordinances applicable within each district;

seizing and disposing of domestic animals found to be dangerous to persons or property;

the regulation of persons who own or keep any vicious animal or an animal that disturbs the peace of a neighborhood; and

reasonable penalties for a violation of a local law enacted in accordance with this section not exceeding imprisonment for 30 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

may regulate animals that are hybrids of domestic animals and wild animals; but

may not regulate or control wild animals that are not owned or kept by individuals.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

may not knowingly allow the dog to run at large; and

shall confine the dog.

The District Court in Cecil County shall issue a summons to the owner or keeper of a domestic animal to appear before the District Court if a sworn complaint is received from a person alleging that the domestic animal:

After a finding that the domestic animal disturbs the peace of a neighborhood or is vicious and has bitten an individual, the District Court may require the owner or keeper to surrender the domestic animal to be euthanized in the most humane manner possible or remove the domestic animal permanently from the neighborhood.

If the District Court requires the owner or keeper to surrender the domestic animal to be euthanized or removed in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, and the owner or keeper fails to comply, a police officer or an agent of the county shall seize the domestic animal and cause it to be euthanized in the most humane manner possible.

The District Court may order the domestic animal restrained or issue any other appropriate order.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

any domestic animal; and

a wild animal kept in captivity.

issuing dog licenses;

keeping records of all sales of licenses;

designating persons authorized to sell licenses; and

seizing and disposing of dogs found running at large in the county.

The county commissioners shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (5) of this subsection.

A cancellation under this paragraph:

The county commissioners may establish penalties for a violation of a rule, regulation, or resolution passed under this subsection.

The penalty established under this paragraph for each violation may not exceed imprisonment for 1 year or a fine of $1,000 or both.

has all the powers of a peace officer;

may sell and issue dog licenses; and

may seize and dispose of stray, injured, or sick dogs in accordance with a rule, regulation, or resolution passed in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.

The County Commissioners of Charles County may establish an animal shelter and hire personnel and provide the equipment necessary for the collection, impoundment, care, handling, and disposal of stray, unlicensed, diseased, or vicious dogs.

The initial cost for the building and equipment under this paragraph may not exceed $35,000.

establish an animal shelter; or

seize, dispose of, or euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

establish an animal shelter; or

collect, dispose of, or euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

dogs proved to be obedient, in accordance with a regulation or resolution of the county;

dogs being used or trained for hunting; and

dogs accompanied by the owner on horseback.

the licensing and control of dogs and cats;

seizing and disposing of unlicensed or dangerous dogs and cats; and

civil or criminal penalties for a violation of an ordinance enacted in accordance with this section.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (b) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

may not knowingly allow the dog to run at large; and

shall confine the dog.

the licensing and control of domestic animals and wild animals kept in captivity;

seizing and disposing of unlicensed or dangerous dogs;

the regulation of persons who own or keep any vicious animal or an animal that disturbs the peace of a neighborhood; and

reasonable penalties for a violation of an ordinance not exceeding imprisonment for 30 days or a fine of $500 or both.

may regulate animals that are hybrids of domestic and wild animals; but

may not regulate or control wild animals that are not owned or kept by individuals.

issuing dog licenses;

keeping records of all sales of licenses;

designating persons authorized to sell licenses; and

seizing and disposing of any dogs found running at large in the county.

The governing body shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.

A cancellation under this paragraph:

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (d) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

establish an animal shelter; and

seize, dispose of, and euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

establish an animal shelter; and

collect and euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

may not knowingly allow the dog to run at large; and

shall confine the dog.

the licensing and control of dogs and cats;

seizing and disposing of unlicensed or dangerous dogs and cats; and

civil or criminal penalties for a violation of an ordinance enacted in accordance with this section.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (b) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

licensing dogs, kennels, and pet shops;

controlling rabid animals; and

disposing of uncontrolled, vicious, or sick animals.

enforce the ordinance adopted under paragraph (2) of this subsection;

maintain records regarding the licensing, impounding, and disposing of animals coming into the custody of the private agency or unit of county government; and

enter into contracts or agreements to provide for the disposal of animals.

An animal control officer in Garrett County may issue and deliver a citation to a person believed to be committing a violation of an animal control ordinance.

The citation shall contain:

The county commissioners may adopt an animal control ordinance to create a quasi–judicial animal control authority for the county to hold public hearings to decide citations, complaints, and other controversies arising under the animal control ordinance, other than those filed with the District Court.

Hearings held under this subsection are subject to the right of a party to file a petition for judicial review in the circuit court.

The county commissioners may adopt rules and regulations to govern hearings held under this subsection.

A person who receives a citation under this section may elect to stand trial for the violation by filing with the animal control officer a notice of intention to stand trial at least 5 days before the date set forth in the citation for the payment of fines.

After receiving a notice of intention to stand trial, the animal control officer shall forward the notice to the District Court, with a copy of the citation.

After receiving the citation and notice, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date.

All fines, penalties, or forfeitures collected by the District Court for violations of an ordinance adopted under this section shall be remitted to Garrett County.

In a proceeding before the District Court, a violation of an ordinance adopted under this section shall be prosecuted in the same manner as a municipal infraction under Title 6 of this article.

The county commissioners may authorize the County Attorney, the State’s Attorney, or another attorney to prosecute a violation of an ordinance adopted under this section.

If the District Court finds that a person has committed a violation of an ordinance adopted under this section, the person is liable for the costs of the court proceedings.

The county commissioners may adopt an animal control ordinance to provide that each violation of an ordinance adopted under this section is a misdemeanor and on conviction a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

The county commissioners may:

the licensing and control of dogs;

the establishment of separate dog control districts with separate resolutions or ordinances applicable solely within each district;

seizing and disposing of dogs found to be dangerous to persons and property; and

reasonable penalties for a violation of a resolution or ordinance enacted in accordance with this section.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$3 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (b) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

The District Court in Harford County shall issue a summons to the owner or keeper of a dog to appear before the District Court if a sworn complaint is received from a person alleging that the dog:

After a finding that the dog disturbs the peace of a neighborhood or is vicious and has bitten an individual, the District Court may require the owner or keeper to surrender the dog to be euthanized in the most humane manner possible or remove the dog permanently from the neighborhood.

If the District Court requires the owner or keeper to surrender the dog to be euthanized or removed in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, and the owner or keeper fails to comply, a police officer or an agent of the county shall seize the dog and cause it to be euthanized in the most humane manner possible.

The District Court may order the dog restrained or issue any other appropriate order.

for a first violation, a fine of $25; and

for each subsequent violation, a fine of not less than $100 and not exceeding $200.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

adequately and securely confine the dog;

prevent the dog from contacting roaming dogs; and

protect the dog from other dogs that are attracted to the premises.

the licensing and control of dogs;

seizing and disposing of unlicensed or dangerous dogs; and

reasonable penalties for a violation of a resolution enacted in accordance with this section.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (b) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (b) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

The county commissioners shall appoint agents to collect dog and kennel license fees that are not paid by August 1 of each year.

A penalty of $1.00 per license shall be assessed against dog owners whose dog or kennel license fees are not paid by August 1 each year.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

has all the powers of a peace officer; and

shall seize and dispose of unlicensed dogs as prescribed by the county commissioners.

establish an animal shelter; or

seize, dispose of, or euthanize stray, injured, or sick dogs.

The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may pay any expenses arising from the operation of this subsection.

Notwithstanding § 13–105(d) of this subtitle, the county commissioners may use proceeds from dog license fees to:

the licensing and control of dogs and cats;

seizing and disposing of unlicensed or dangerous dogs and cats; and

civil or criminal penalties for a violation of an ordinance enacted in accordance with this section.

$1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;

$2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;

$10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or

$20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.

composed of metal;

imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (b) of this section;

imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;

1 inch or less in length; and

equipped with a substantial metal fastener.

confined in a kennel; or

hunting under the charge of an attendant.

application by the person to whom the original license was issued;

the production of the license; and

payment of a fee of 25 cents.

The animal control officer shall keep a copy of the citation.

The citation shall bear a certification attesting to the truth of the matters set forth in the citation.

the name and address of the person charged;

the nature of the violation;

the location and time of the violation;

the amount of the fine;

the manner, location, and time in which the fine may be paid; and

a notice of the person’s right to elect to stand trial for the violation.

establish a schedule of additional fines for each violation; and

adopt procedures for the collection of fines.

If a person who receives a citation under this section for a violation fails to pay the fine by the date of payment set forth on the citation and fails to file a notice of intention to stand trial, a notice of the violation shall be sent to the person’s last known address.

If the citation is not satisfied within 15 days after the date the notice of violation is mailed, the person is subject to an additional fine not exceeding twice the amount of the original fine.

If the person who receives the citation does not pay the citation by the 36th day after the notice of violation is mailed, the animal control officer may request the District Court to adjudicate the violation.

After the animal control officer requests adjudication, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and summon the defendant to appear.