§ 13–116
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-116 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 1. Regulation of Animals
§ 13–116LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Caroline County may adopt rules and regulations by resolution or ordinance to provide for:
(i)
issuing dog licenses;
(ii)
keeping records of all sales of licenses;
(iii)
designating persons authorized to sell licenses; and
(iv)
seizing and disposing of dogs found running at large in the county.
(2)
Before the county commissioners adopt a rule or regulation in accordance with this subsection, a summary of the proposed rule or regulation shall be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once each week for 2 successive weeks, to provide any person an opportunity to be heard.
(3)
The rules and regulations shall include standards and operate uniformly.
(4)
Subject to paragraph (5) of this subsection, the county commissioners may delegate, by written contract, the enforcement of the rules and regulations.
(5)
(i)
The county commissioners shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.
(ii)
A cancellation under this paragraph:
(1)
may be without notice or recourse, if the cancellation is for cause; or
(2)
requires notice at least 30 days before cancellation, if the cancellation is without cause.
(b)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Caroline County may appoint animal control officers.
(2)
An animal control officer appointed under this subsection:
(i)
has all the powers of a peace officer;
(ii)
may sell and issue dog licenses; and
(iii)
may seize and dispose of stray, injured, unlicensed, diseased, or vicious dogs in accordance with rules and regulations of the county commissioners.
(3)
The county commissioners may provide for the compensation of an animal control officer appointed under this subsection.
(c)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Caroline County may provide animal shelters where dogs seized by an animal control officer may be placed.
(2)
The county commissioners may enter into agreements with adjacent counties to establish an animal shelter to serve the counties.
(3)
Notwithstanding § 13–105(d) of this subtitle, the county commissioners may use the proceeds from dog license fees to:
(i)
establish and maintain an animal shelter; and
(ii)
collect, care for, or euthanize dogs.