Frederick, MD Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 3-1(b)(2), amending County Ch. 1-5
- At-large definition
- Not on owner's property, not leashed/chained
- Tether time limit
- 4 hours max on stationary tie-out
- Repeat at-large trigger
- 3 citations in 6 months = potentially dangerous
- First-offense fine
- $50 municipal infraction
Summary
Frederick requires dogs to stay on the owner's property or under immediate physical control by chain or leash. An animal that is neither on its owner's property nor restrained by a chain or leash is legally "at large" and subject to Frederick County's animal control enforcement.
In § 1-5-1, the definition of "at large" is amended to read: "An animal shall be deemed to be at large whenever it is not: (1) on the owner's property; or (2) under the immediate physical control of a person and restrained by a chain or leash."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Management Code: Supplement 13 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 3-1(b)(2) amends the Frederick County Code's definition of "at large" for use inside City limits: an animal is deemed at large whenever it is not (1) on the owner's property, or (2) under the immediate physical control of a person and restrained by a chain or leash. This amended definition feeds directly into the dangerous-dog and potentially-dangerous-dog rules in the same section: a dog cited for running at large three or more times within any consecutive six-month period, or impounded three or more times in that window, can be declared potentially dangerous by the Director of Animal Control.
Frederick County's Division of Animal Control administers and enforces the at-large rule within the City exactly as it does in the unincorporated county, under Sec. 3-2, and the Board of Aldermen retains authority under Sec. 3-3 to add supplemental animal control provisions. The City also separately amended County Sec. "
Violations & Fines
Because Sec. 3-1(b)(12) replaces the county's general penalty for this chapter, an at-large violation is a municipal infraction fine of $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second, and $100 for a third or subsequent offense in a calendar year. Three at-large citations or impoundments within six months can also trigger a potentially dangerous dog designation, which carries its own restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash in my own yard?
Can I tie my dog outside instead of using a leash?
What happens if my dog keeps getting loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick
Compare Frederick to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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