Check Your Local Pet Statutes
I am always interested in researching and learning about the laws of the various local, state and federal jurisdictions regarding domestic animals and pets.
I recently came across these ordinances for the county of Anne Arundel in Maryland.
If you don’t know (and I did not) that county is where the city of Annapolis is located.
A portion of the County ordinance provides:
Article 12 Section 4-402 Public Safety Threat
An animal poses a public safety threat if the animal:
Inflicts severe injury to a person
Bites a person
Kills or inflicts severe injury to a domestic animal
Attacks a person
Without provocation, chases or approaches a person in an attitude of attack
Engages in encouraged dog fighting activity or shows evidence of having been engaged in encouraged dog fighting activity
Article 12 Section 4-601 Rabies Vaccination
Anyone who owns or harbors a cat or dog 4 months of age or older must have the animal vaccinated for rabies and be able to provide proof of vaccination.
Article 12 4-702 Licensing
The owner of any dog or cat 4 months of age or older must obtain a license for the animal.
Article 12 4-801 Dog Outdoors
For each dog confined or tied outdoors, an owner shall provide:
A shelter to protect the dog from the wind, snow, rain, cold, and sunlight
A chain, rope, or line used to tie a dog which must be at least 10 feet in length
State and County law requires that all dogs have food and water.
Article 12 Section 4-903 Public Nuisance
The owner of an animal may not permit the animal to be a public nuisance or to cause a public nuisance condition. Public nuisance includes the following acts by an animal:
Molesting pedestrians
Chasing vehicles
Damaging property of someone other than the owner of the animal
Article 12 Section 4-904 Animal Disturbance Prohibited
It is unlawful for a person who owns, keeps, or has possession of an animal to permit the animal to disturb the quiet of a person or neighborhood.
Article 12 Section 4-905 Running at Large
"At Large” means off the property of an animals owner and not leashed and not under the control of a responsible person.
Article 12 Section 4-909 Removal of Animal Excreta
The owner of any animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by his or her animal on public walks, recreation areas, or private property other than his own.
Title 10 Penalty
Anyone violating section of Article 12 may be subject to a fine not less than $50 and up to $500
They look pretty standard except for the conditions for confining an animal outside.
And by the way, it seems like a heavy fine, up to $500.00 for not picking up your animal’s excreta.*
But if it is effective, I am all for it.
Make sure you realize that there are applicable city, county, state and federal regulations for your pets. Know them and follow them.
* Any waste matter discharged from the body…
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