Although these laws are taken directly from Baltimore County, Maryland laws, many states have similar laws that cover basic animal care. Please check with your local county government's website or animal control in your area.
Here are just a few:
1. All dogs and cats over 3 months old MUST have rabies vaccination and boosters. All dogs and cats MUST be licensed with Animal Control at 4 months. You can obtain this license in person or through the mail. The address to go in person is listed at the bottom of this page.
2. If you find a stray dog or cat you MUST turn it over to animal control within 24 hours. You can later adopt the pet if he/she is not claimed. Stray pets are held for only 4 days, so go to your local shelter quickly to claim your pet.
3. If you have more than three dogs on your property, (it doesn't matter if you are a private citizen or business owner) you MUST have a holding facility licence.
4. When off of your property your pet MUST be leashed. If you leave your pet outside, the cord MUST have swivels, so that you pet does not choke himself. Chain link collars are not to be used (except when training your pet)
5. You MUST provide shelter from wind, snow, rain, cold and sun. And food and water in untippable bowls. You pet is just a sensitive to the weather as you are, if not more!!
6. You ARE responsible if your pet bites or injures any person or animal, or menaces the community.
7. Inadequate food and water, unsanitary conditions, animal fighting or any other cruelty or neglect are considered animal abuse. And are punishable in court with fines and prison time. In Baltimore County, laws provide for fines from $25 to $1000 and also up to 3 months in prison. Offenders with continuing problems can be given even tougher penalties than listed.
In Baltimore County, Maryland you can call Animal Control
410-887-5961. or go to
13800 Manor Road, Baldwin Maryland 21013.