Local Government - Animal Control - Dogs At Large (Dog Leash Laws)

Summary

The bill requires every county and city in Maryland to pass a local law that bars owners from letting their dogs run loose, sets up procedures for impounding such dogs, and creates civil and criminal penalties for violations. It also clarifies that local governments may adopt stricter rules than the state baseline and adopts the appellate court’s definition of “running at large.” The measure is intended to improve public safety and animal control consistency across the state.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Judiciary — Bill Hearing
  Judiciary · Mar 12, 2026

History

1. Mar 12, 2026Hearing canceled
2. Mar 12, 2026Hearing 3/12 at 1:30 p.m.
3. Feb 16, 2026Hearing canceled
4. Feb 16, 2026Hearing 3/15 at 1:00 p.m.
5. Feb 16, 2026Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
6. Feb 13, 2026First Reading Judiciary

Sponsors

• Ross · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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Topics

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