How Severna Park Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Severna Park maintains 40 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Severna Park falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dog Leash Laws

Anne Arundel County requires dogs to be leashed and under control when off the owner's property. Animals at large are prohibited. Tethering is restricted to one 15-minute period per day without supervision, and is prohibited below 32 degrees F 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+.

Compared to other cities, Severna Park takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Severna Park under Maryland state regulations. Colonies must be registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture within 30 days. Registration is free. Best practices include maintaining a water source within 200 feet of hives and at least 50 feet from tethered animals.

Key details: Registration: Required with MD Dept. of Agriculture. Fee: Free. Water Source: Within 200 feet of hives recommended. Setback: 50 feet from tethered/kenneled animals recommended.

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

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Severna Park gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.

Breed Restrictions

Anne Arundel County has no breed-specific bans. Maryland's 2014 legislation (Ch. 247) eliminated breed-specific liability statewide. 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 Severna Park 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 Severna Park. 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 Severna Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Severna Park'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 Severna Park is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Severna Park can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.