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Howard County, MD Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
All of Howard County
County code
Title 17, Subtitle 3
Leash rule
Required off owner's property
At-large liability
Md. Courts §3-1901(c)
Enforced by
Howard County Animal Control

Summary

Howard County governs every resident, including unincorporated Columbia and Ellicott City. A domesticated animal must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person whenever it is off the owner's property; a dog off-property and unrestrained is "at large."

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The owner of a dog is liable for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog, while the dog is running at large, unless the injury, death, or loss was caused to the body or property of a person who was ... committing or attempting to commit a trespass ... or teasing, tormenting, abusing, or provoking the dog.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Because Howard County has essentially no incorporated municipalities, its Animal Control law (County Code Title 17, Subtitle 3) applies countywide. Under Sec. 17.300, an animal is "at large" when it is off the owner's property (not counting rights-of-way, easements, condo/apartment common areas, or areas open to the public) and not secured by a leash and under a responsible person's immediate, effective control. Owners must also scoop pet waste off their own property. Maryland's dog-liability statute reinforces this: an owner is liable for injury or property loss caused by a dog while it is running at large, subject to trespass and provocation defenses.

Violations & Fines

Animal Control (Howard County Police) enforces leash, at-large and poop-scoop rules; violations are civil citations with fines and possible impoundment. An owner is also civilly liable for damage a dog causes while running at large under Md. Courts §3-1901.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbia have its own leash law?
No. Columbia is a large unincorporated community, so Howard County's animal control law governs it directly. The county leash and at-large rules apply everywhere in the county.
Am I liable if my loose dog hurts someone?
Yes. Under Maryland Courts §3-1901(c), a dog owner is liable for injury, death or property loss caused by the dog while it is running at large, unless the victim trespassed or provoked it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Howard County rules

Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview

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