Animal Ordinances in Baltimore, MD (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Baltimore, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Baltimore allows up to four hens per residential lot under the Urban Agriculture amendments to the zoning code. Roosters are prohibited citywide. Coops require setbacks from neighboring dwellings and must be kept sanitary.
Backyard chickens permitted with restrictions
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Baltimore requires dogs in public spaces to be on a leash no longer than six feet, controlled by a person able to restrain the animal. Violations are handled by BPD and Baltimore Animal Services.
Dogs must be leashed in public
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Baltimore Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Baltimore permits residential beekeeping under TransForm zoning rules. Up to two colonies are allowed per typical lot, with additional hives permitted on larger parcels. Hives must be set back from property lines and registered with Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Residential beekeeping allowed with hive limits
Few RestrictionsMaryland Apiary Inspection Regulations COMAR 15.07.01
Maintaining healthy honey bee colonies is very important to Maryland agriculture. Crops valued in excess of $40 million require or benefit from honey bee pollination in the State. Managed colonies are increasingly important since most wild honey bees have died due to parasitic mites. Apiary inspectors work with beekeepers to help them maintain healthy colonies. Inspectors visit about two-thirds...
Exotic Pets
Baltimore prohibits keeping dangerous and exotic animals including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, bears, and wolves. Enforcement falls to Baltimore Animal Services and Maryland Natural Resources Police under state and city authority.
Exotic and dangerous animals banned
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Baltimore prohibits intentional feeding of deer, raccoons, foxes, and other wildlife on public and private property. Feeding stations attract rodents, spread disease, and create habituated animals that pose public safety risks.
No feeding deer or wildlife in city
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Baltimore treats animal hoarding as both a code-enforcement and animal-cruelty matter. Maryland Criminal Law section 10-604 addresses neglect; the city coordinates with BARCS and BCHD when squalid conditions or excessive animal counts are reported.
Animal hoarding triggers seizure and prosecution
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Baltimore limits households to a combined total of pets that does not constitute a kennel. Generally four dogs or cats per dwelling unit triggers kennel licensing. Exceeding limits without permit subjects owners to enforcement action.