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

Section PS 2-101(b) of the Code of Public Local Laws defines VICIOUS DOG as any dog that has vicious tendencies by virtue of its demonstrated behavior or meets the definition of a dangerous dog under state law. The test turns on what the animal has done, and the Animal Control Warden applies it. The same section defines DOG as an animal of the Canis Familiaris species, including those animals that have been crossbred with the species Canis Lupus, commonly known as a wolf, which brings wolf crossbreeds inside every dog rule in the Subtitle, including licensing, leash areas and impoundment.

Impoundment is the main tool. Under § PS 2-101(e) the Warden seizes and impounds any diseased or vicious dog or cat whenever possible, and where the officer is unable after reasonable effort to seize vicious, wild or rabid dogs or cats, he can destroy them in as humane a manner as possible. Section PS 2-101(h) then bars the sale, release or redemption of an impounded animal the Warden believes has vicious tendencies, rabies or any incurable disease, unless and until the Warden is satisfied that it is safe to release. Under § PS 2-101(f), an impounded dog not otherwise disposed of within fifteen days can be disposed of in any legal humane way, but a licensed, identifiable dog is not destroyed, except in emergencies and cases of blatantly vicious animals, until the Warden has made at least two attempts, one of them written, to contact the owner.

Adoption is closed to these animals. Section PS 2-103(d) provides that any animal that displays vicious character tendencies towards humans, is not manageable or tame, is in poor health, or has been the subject of a reported attack on a human being or other animal shall not be made available for adoption.

Bites trigger a reporting duty. Under § PS 2-101(n), a person who knows or has reason to believe that a warm-blooded animal in his custody has bitten any person must report it immediately to the County Health Officer, the Animal Control Warden or the Sheriff's Office and confine the animal at his own expense for ten days in a manner directed by the County Health Officer. Doctors who treat animal bites report to the Health Officer and the Sheriff's Office under § PS 2-101(o). The Subtitle does not apply inside Ocean City, and § PS 2-101(d) excludes bona fide livestock.