Carroll County, MD Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Restraint duty
- At all times, § 90.05(A)
- Max tether time
- 12 hours per day
- Minimum tether length
- 10 feet or 4.5x dog length
- Impoundment fee
- $40 per day plus vet costs
- At-large penalty
- Up to $500
Summary
Carroll County requires every dog to be under restraint or effective control at all times, caps outdoor tethering at 12 hours a day, and sets minimum tether length and swivel requirements, all enforced by Animal Control.
(A) The owner of a dog shall keep the dog under restraint or effective control at all times. ... (C) The owner of a dog shall not tie, chain, cable, or in any way tether a dog outside for more than 12 hours a day. (D) A tether to confine a dog shall be a minimum of four and one-half times the length of the dog (nose to tail base) and under no circumstances less than ten feet long. (E) The tether shall have swivels at both ends to prevent kinking and knotting.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through July 30, 2026).
Full Breakdown
01 as being secured by a leash or lead, or under a responsible person's effective control and obedient off-lead, or confined within the owner's own property lines. 05(C) bars tying, chaining, cabling or otherwise tethering a dog outside for more than 12 hours a day. 05(E) so it can't kink, tangle in trees or fences, or let the dog hang itself jumping a barrier. 05(F) requires fencing suited to the animal and kept in good repair; an "invisible fence" may only be used if it consistently and effectively restrains the dog, and no dog already classified as aggressive may be confined behind one. 11 and impounded for five days before it becomes county property.
Violations & Fines
A dog found unrestrained can be impounded under § 90.11, with the owner billed a $40-per-day impoundment fee plus any veterinary costs, and can also be issued a notice of violation carrying a penalty of up to $500, payable within 72 hours before a criminal charging document is filed. General Chapter 90 violations are punishable under § 90.99 by up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carroll County require dogs to be on a leash?
How long can I tether my dog outside in Carroll County?
Can I use an invisible fence to contain my dog?
What happens if my dog is caught running at large?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carroll County
Compare Carroll County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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