Animal Control Laws

Did you know...  Animal Control responds for critically injured or deceased deer on county roadways AND on private property, if the deer is within 250 feet of a dwelling. Residents should call 410-313-2780 during business hours or 410-313-2929 after hours.

 

Howard County Animal Control investigates animal cruelty complaints, rescues endangered animals, accepts unwanted pets, administers a pet adoption program, conducts humane education programs,  and operates the county's animal shelter, in addition to enforcement of the Animal Control Laws.

 

Below is a summary of some of the county's Animal Control Laws:

LEASH LAW: A domesticated animal must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person. This person must be capable of immediate and effective restraint when not on the owner's property. Owners are responsible for immediately removing pet defecation when off their own property.

BARKING: Owners are responsible for preventing their dogs from barking to the extent that it disturbs neighbors.

ODOR PREVENTION: Pet owners must remove an accumulation of defecation from their property to prevent annoying odors.

APPROPRIATE CARE: Animals must be provided with proper drink, ventilation, shelter, shade, protection from the elements, sanitary conditions, veterinary care and nutritious food in sufficient quantity.

THREATENING BEHAVIOR: Domesticated animals must not be permitted to threaten the safety or welfare of other domesticated animals or people. Domesticated animals are considered to be exhibiting threatening behavior when they endanger the life or health of another domesticated animal or person, attack a domesticated animal or person, or otherwise molest and interfere with a person's freedom of movement in a public place.

VIOLATORS: Violators of the Animal Control Laws may be issued civil citations with monetary penalties of $25-$500. Criminal penalties can include up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine, pet impoundment, and/or mandatory appearances before the Animal Matters Hearing Board.

THE AFFIDAVIT PROCEDURE: A citizen who has personally observed a violation of the HoCo Animal Laws may wish to file an affidavit. An affidavit is a sworn statement that a violation has been witnessed. An affidavit may not be filed anonymously, and must be obtained from Animal Control. After the form is completed by the witness, it should be returned to the Animal Control Division for processing. Once the affidavit is filed, the alleged violator is, in most circumstances, assessed an appropriate monetary penalty through issuance of a civil citation. The affidavit accompanies the issued citation and will identify the complainant's name, address and telephone number. Upon request, phone numbers may be withheld.

THE APPEAL PROCESS: The recipient of a citation issued by an Animal Control representative as a result of an affidavit may elect to appeal the citation. The recipient must contact the Animal Control Division in writing within fifteen (15) days after the citation is issued indicating the intent to appeal. The Animal Control Division then schedules a hearing before the Animal Matters Hearing Board.

THE ANIMAL MATTERS HEARING BOARD: The Animal Matters Hearing Board (AMHB) is comprised of seven Howard County residents appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The AMHB meets to hear cases involving alleged violations of the Howard County Animal Control Laws. Once cases are heard, board members render a decision to uphold, modify, or reverse an imposed penalty. The Board may also recommend or order measures to abate further problems or complaints. The AMHB notifies appellant of its decision ninety(90) days after hearing. Any complainant or appellant who is aggrieved by the decision of the AMHB may request in writing, within thirty (30)days of the decision, a hearing before the Howard County Board of Appeals.

Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center
8576 Davis Road, Columbia, MD 21045
410-313-2780, [email protected]
Please call 410-313-2929 for after-hours animal-related emergencies.