Animal Ordinances in Glen Burnie, MD: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Glen Burnie or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Glen Burnie has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Breed Restrictions

Anne Arundel County has no breed-specific bans. Maryland reversed the Tracey v. Solesky pit bull strict liability ruling in 2014 (Ch. 247). Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based and apply equally to all breeds.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: 2014 Ch. 247 reversed breed-specific liability. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based assessment. Rabies Vaccination: Required for dogs 4+ months old.

Dangerous dog violations: fines $500 to $2,500. Containment failure: additional fines. Serious attack: criminal charges.

The rules around breed restrictions in Glen Burnie lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Anne Arundel County requires dogs to be leashed and under control of a responsible person when off the owner's property. Animals at large are prohibited. Tethering outdoors is restricted: only one 15-minute period per day is allowed without a person present, and tethering is prohibited when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees F or at or above 90 degrees F.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, when off owner's property. Tethering: One 15-min period/day without supervision. Temperature Limits: No tethering at 32°F or below, 90°F or above. Waste Cleanup: Required on public and others' property.

Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. No rabies vaccine: $500+.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Glen Burnie actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Glen Burnie under Maryland state regulations. Beekeepers must register colonies with the Maryland Department of Agriculture within 30 days. Registration is free. MDA inspectors visit approximately two-thirds of Maryland apiaries annually to check for disease.

Key details: Registration: Required with MD Dept. of Agriculture. Fee: Free. Timing: Within 30 days of first colony. Inspections: MDA inspects ~2/3 of apiaries annually.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: MDA enforcement.

The rules around beekeeping in Glen Burnie lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

Anne Arundel County prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or vicious animals as pets or for display. This applies to all unincorporated areas including Glen Burnie. Violators may be subject to fines and animal seizure.

Key details: Exotic Pets: Prohibited. Wild Animals: Prohibited as pets or display. Vicious Animals: Prohibited. Contact: Animal Services (410) 222-8900.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

This is one of the stricter rules in Glen Burnie's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Glen Burnie's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glen Burnie is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Glen Burnie's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.