Charles County, MD Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- At-large ban
- Applies off owner's property
- First-offense fine
- $50, doubled on repeat
- Exceptions
- Supervised training, licensed hunting, dog shows
- Reporting duty
- Report strays to Animal Control
- Unclaimed animal
- Deemed abandoned after 3 working days
Summary
Charles County bars any animal, dogs included, from running at large: off the owner's property without a leash or restraining device on school grounds, public recreation areas, other public property or private land without permission, with exceptions only for supervised training, licensed hunting and organized events like dog shows.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, or corporation or other legal entity to allow an animal to be at large. ... C. Without permission of the proper authority, the owner or custodian of any animal may not permit the animal to be on school grounds on a day when school is in session, in a public recreation area, any public property or thoroughfare or private property without the property owner's permission unless: (1) The animal is controlled by a leash or similar restraining device. (2) The presence of the animal is in an organized activity such as a dog show.
Full Breakdown
§ 230-12(D) protects an owner whose animal escapes accidentally, provided the owner is in "immediate physical pursuit," from being deemed at large. Anyone who spots a stray or loose animal must report it to the Tri-County Animal Shelter, an Animal Control Officer, or law enforcement under § 230-12(E), and officers may pursue a loose animal onto private property under § 230-12(F).
Violations & Fines
Allowing an animal to run at large is a $50 fine under the § 230-12.9 schedule, doubled to $100 for a repeat violation within a rolling 12-month period. An at-large animal may be impounded by the Tri-County Animal Shelter; the owner must pay impoundment, board and veterinary costs before reclaiming it, and fees double on a third impoundment within 12 months, with the animal held until the owner appears before the Animal Matters Hearing Board. An animal not reclaimed within three working days is deemed abandoned and becomes county property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need to be on a leash in my own yard in Charles County?
Can I let my dog off-leash at a county park?
What happens if Animal Control picks up my loose dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charles County
Compare Charles County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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