Baltimore County Code 12-3-110 prohibits owners from letting any animal run at large. Off its owner's premises, a dog must be controlled by a leash, cord, or chain. Exceptions cover permitted private property, hunting, and designated county dog parks.
The County defines an 'animal at large' as any animal off the owner's premises and not under the owner's control, and specifically includes any dog not restrained by a leash, cord, or chain. Section 12-3-110 makes it unlawful for an owner to allow an animal at large. The definition excludes a dog on another owner's property with permission, a dog hunting or being trained (except on county or Board of Education land), and a dog inside a designated Baltimore County dog park. Animal Services (Health Department) enforces via civil citation. This is countywide and applies in every residential zone.
Civil penalty of $30 for a first violation and $150 for repeat violations under 12-1-110; each day is a separate offense. Violations of Article 12 are also misdemeanors.
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See how Baltimore County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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