Montgomery County, MD Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Livestock defined as
- Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits
- At-large rule
- Must stay on owner's premises
- Nuisance trigger
- Size, number, or unsafe facility
- Penalty
- $100 first offense, $150 repeat
- Enforced by
- Office of Animal Services
Summary
Montgomery County's animal control law requires livestock stay on the owner's property and bars keeping any animal, including horses, goats, sheep, or poultry, in a way that creates an unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive condition through the size or number of animals or an inadequate facility.
Allow an animal to cause an unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive condition because of the size or number of animals in a single location or because a facility is not appropriate for the animal or properly maintained.
(6) Allow an animal to cause noise that is loud and persistent enough to disturb another person's quiet enjoyment.
(7) Allow a dog to be on public school grounds on a day when school is in session, or in a public recreation area during an organized activity, unless the dog is controlled by a leash or similar restraining device. This paragraph does not apply to a dog participating in a qualified activity if the agency controlling the school or area gave permission to the owner of the dog or the sponsor of the qualified activity.
(8) Allow a domestic or exotic bird, including a homing pigeon, to be in an aviary within 100 feet of any structure owned or leased by another person and used for human habitation or work. This paragraph does not apply to a bird:
(A) other than a homing pigeon, inside the owner's dwelling;
(B) in a pet shop;
(C) in an Agricultural or Rural Residential zone as defined in
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
Chapter 5, Animal Control defines livestock as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, domesticated rabbits and hares, and commercially raised fur-bearing animals. Under Section 5-203(a)(1), any animal, including livestock, is 'at large' if it leaves the owner's premises without a leash or reliable voice control. Section 5-203(a)(5) separately bars an owner from letting an animal cause unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive conditions because of the size or number of animals kept, or an inadequate facility -- the operative standard county inspectors use for backyard-livestock complaints. The Office of Animal Services investigates and cites violators; where livestock may be raised by zone is set separately in Chapter 59.
Violations & Fines
Class B civil violation: up to $100 for a first offense, $150 for a repeat, or prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by a $200 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens or goats in a Montgomery County backyard?
What animals count as livestock under county law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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