On March 12, Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein gave in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson before the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1568 – Local Government – Animal Control – Dogs At Large (Dog Leash Laws).
This bill would require local governments to adopt a law prohibiting dogs from being “at large” and to establish corresponding impoundment and penalty protocols.
Counties strongly support responsible pet ownership, which is why every Maryland jurisdiction already maintains comprehensive animal control ordinances addressing dogs running at large.
HB 1568 would impose a redundant state mandate requiring counties to revise existing local codes and enforcement practices by adopting an expansive judicial interpretation of “dogs at large” – which includes dogs unrestrained even on their owner’s property – that could override long-standing local standards and expand enforcement beyond traditional public safety concerns.
Ultimately, local governments are best positioned to define and enforce
animal control regulations that reflect local conditions and community standards. Given the comprehensive protections already established across Maryland jurisdictions, additional statewide mandates in this area may be redundant and risk creating inconsistencies with existing local law.
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