Montgomery County, MD Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- No breed-specific ban
- conduct-based designation only
- Declared dogs must be
- muzzled and leashed when out
- Dangerous-elsewhere removal deadline
- 10 days
- Violation classification
- Class A, up to $1,000
- Enforcing agency
- Montgomery County Animal Services
Summary
Montgomery County has no breed-specific ban. County Code § 5-202 declares an animal "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" based on its conduct, not its breed, then imposes confinement and control conditions on the owner.
An animal is dangerous if the animal is: (A) a “dangerous dog” as defined in Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 10-619; (B) any other animal that, without provocation, has killed or severely injured a person; (C) an animal that poses a physical threat to humans because of specific training or demonstrated behavior, or because the animal's bite is poisonous; or (D) a potentially dangerous animal that... attacks a person or animal without provocation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Rather than listing prohibited breeds, § 5-202 defines a dangerous animal by what it does: killing or severely injuring a person without provocation, being trained or having demonstrated aggressive behavior, or meeting Maryland's conduct-based "dangerous dog" definition (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-619). Once the Office of Animal Services or the Board declares an animal dangerous or potentially dangerous, the owner must keep it muzzled, leashed, and under an adult's control whenever it is released from confinement, and may face microchipping or other conditions. An animal declared dangerous in another jurisdiction must be removed from the County within 10 days unless waived.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 5-202 is a Class A civil violation under § 5-305(c)(2): up to $1,000 criminal fine or a $500 civil penalty ($750 for a repeat offense) per § 1-19, issued by Montgomery County Animal Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montgomery County ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
What if my dog was already declared dangerous somewhere else?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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