Prince George's County, MD Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 5+ animals (Sec. 3-148.02)
- Cruelty penalties
- Up to $1,000 / jail
- Penalty section
- County Code Sec. 3-116.01
- Enforced by
- Animal Services Division
Summary
Prince George's County limits large accumulations of animals through the hobby-permit cap and prohibits animal cruelty and neglect. Keeping five or more animals without a permit or in poor conditions can trigger seizure and penalties.
A Pit Bull that causes injury to or kills a human being or a domestic animal without provocation shall be humanely destroyed, and the owner of such dog shall be fined up to $1,000.00 or may be sentenced to not more than six (6) months of imprisonment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2026 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
The county has no standalone 'hoarding' statute, but several provisions target it. Sec. 3-148.02 requires an animal hobby permit for anyone keeping five or more animals larger than a guinea pig over four months old, giving Animal Services a checkpoint on large collections. Cruelty and neglect are prohibited, and Sec. 3-136 addresses vicious and dangerous animals; violations of the code's core welfare and vicious-animal sections carry criminal penalties of up to $1,000 and imprisonment under Sec. 3-116.01. Maryland state law also criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect. Animal Services (Department of the Environment) may inspect, seize animals kept in inhumane conditions, and pursue charges.
Violations & Fines
Neglect, cruelty, or unpermitted mass keeping can bring animal seizure, criminal charges, fines up to $1,000, and possible imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PG County have an animal hoarding law?
What are the penalties for animal cruelty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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