Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Maryland enacted Tracey’s Law in 2014, overturning the Tracey v. Solesky court decision that had imposed strict liability on pit bull owners. All dog breeds are now treated equally under a negligence standard. Dangerous dog designations under MD Criminal Law §10-619 are behavior-based, not breed-based. While no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation exists, Tracey’s Law effectively removed the legal basis for breed-based strict liability. HOAs may have breed restrictions in CC&Rs.
Dangerous dog violations: fines $500 to $2,500. Containment failure: additional fines. Serious attack: criminal charges.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County Code §31-14 prohibits parking heavy commercial vehicles (over 10,000 lbs, 21+ ft, 8+ ft high) on public residential roadways. One light com...
Montgomery County, MD
Abandoned vehicles in Montgomery County are subject to state and county law. MD Transportation Code §25-201+ defines abandonment; county can tag and tow vehi...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approve...
Montgomery County, MD
Recreational fire pits in Montgomery County are subject to MDE burn permit requirements and the county fire code. Open fires must be attended at all times, k...
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County strictly regulates outdoor burning under the Maryland Fire Prevention Code and county regulations. Open burning of yard waste is generally ...
See how Montgomery County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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