Charles County, MD Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

5(A) defines a "dangerous and/or vicious animal" by conduct, not breed: it is any animal that wounds or bites a person without provocation, kills or injures another domestic animal without provocation, has a known vicious disposition, was previously adjudicated dangerous, or was bred or kept for animal fighting. Subsection B carves out exceptions where the victim was trespassing, tormenting or assaulting the animal, or committing a crime, and where the animal was defending its young or reacting to pain. The Board can also label an animal "potentially dangerous" under subsection C if it poses a physical threat without meeting the dangerous/vicious bar.

An Animal Control Officer who reasonably believes an animal meets either definition issues a citation under § 230-6(A)(6) requiring the owner to appear before the Animal Matters Hearing Board, and can impound the animal immediately if it poses an ongoing threat to public safety. 5(E) lets it order any combination of a perimeter fence enclosing a locked, escape-proof kennel; a leash no longer than six feet plus a muzzle whenever the animal leaves the property; a "dangerous dog" warning sign at least 8-1/2 by 14 inches with three-inch lettering; mandatory neutering and microchipping at the owner's expense; and a bar on transferring ownership without the Board's written approval. 5(F).