Rockville, MD Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

b.Wildlife rehabilitators who temporarily care for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of ultimately returning the animals to their natural habitat may secure a continuous permit to harbor and care for such animals. However, the Chief of Police must be advised of the animals in temporary care within five (5) business days of the animal arriving in the care of the rehabilitator.(2)Procedure when wild animals run at large.a.Owners must notify the police of the escape of a wild animal that poses a threat to people, domestic animals, or the environment immediately after the escape is discovered.b.Depending on the circumstances of the escape and the threat posed, the wild animal may be returned to the owner, held until the owner complies with applicable laws and regulations, confiscated or killed.c.Owners are responsible for the safe keeping of wild animals in their care. It is unlawful for owners to deliberately or negligently allow wild animals that pose a threat to people or domestic animals to escape into the environment. (Ord. No. 12-15, 6-15-15)