What Counties In Maryland Are Pit Bulls Banned?
Pit Bull Ban History – Since 1997, Pit Bulls have been outlawed in Prince George’s County, the second most populous county in Maryland, bordering the Eastern side of Washington DC. It is the only jurisdiction in the D.C. region that has a breed-specific ban, yet hundreds continue to be impounded by Animal Control every year.
- According to the Washington Post, last year, Prince George’s County impounded 687 Pit Bulls, and euthanized more than 400.
- Only 283 were place in rescue, shelters, or returned to homes.
- So far this year, 492 pit bulls have been impounded, 52% of those euthanized.
- While the Pit Bull ban stands, the community is showing no signs that they will be allowing for eradication of the breed.
Before Pit Bull Bans came to the United States and Pit Bulls became America’s favorite dog, Old English Bull dogs were bred to bait bulls into immobility for sport in the 1800’s. As immigration to America began, families kept their Pit Bulls due to their high intelligence and family friendly manner, garnering the Pit Bull a new nickname: “Nanny Dog.” Over a decade ago, the uncovering of Pit Bull fighting rings, helped bring public attention to the dangers of Pit Bull fighting, but also their ability to be rehabilitated and placed into loving homes.
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Are pitbulls still illegal in Maryland?
Are Some Dogs Illegal in Maryland? – There are no dogs that are illegal under Maryland law. So there are no banned dog breeds. But some counties place restrictions on the type of dog you can have. See, for example, this Prince George’s County ordinance that limits pit bull ownership (that was affirmed a few years ago).
Great resource for Maryland county specific laws pertaining to the ownership of dogs
Are pitbulls banned in Prince George’s county Maryland?
LAUREL, Md. — Prince George’s County’s controversial 25-year ban on owning pit bull dogs is now being challenged in federal court. The suit alleging violations of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of due process is being brought after two emotional support dogs were seized from a family in Laurel.
Where is Pitbull forbidden?
Where else are pit bulls banned around the world? – The UK isn’t the only country to ban pit bull terriers because of potential dangers. There are also laws to limit ownership of or completely outlaw pit bull terriers in the likes of New Zealand, Belgium, France, Denmark, Poland, Finland, and Norway.
- Pit bull terriers are legal in the United States.
- But in Canada, pit bulls are banned in many towns and cities.
- Puerto Rico had a two-decade ban in place until 2018, when it was once again made legal to own, sell and import the breed.
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Are pitbulls illegal in Howard county MD?
‘Mostly, they bite and then leave me alone, but I was viciously attacked last March by a pit bull.’ Dogs considered dangerous by the law are those bred for fighting or that have a history of biting. Those dogs are now banned from ownership in Howard County.
Are pitbulls legal in Montgomery County?
“Passage of this compromise legislation ends this disgraceful era of court sanctioned canine profiling, in which families with pit bull-type dogs were forced to choose between their homes and their beloved pets,” said Tami Santelli, Maryland senior state director for The Humane Society of the United States.
“Lawmakers voted against singling out particular breeds and in favor of raising the bar for all dog owners to protect victims of dog bites.” The lawsuit that inspired the ruling was the Taylor v. Solesky case, in which nine-year-old Dominic Solesky was attacked by his neighbor’s pit bull and suffered damage over most of his body, including a life-threatening bite to Dominic’s groin and femoral artery.
Lawsuit aims to overturn pit bull ban in Prince George’s County | FOX 5 DC
Solesky was hospitalized for 17 days and spent a year in rehabilitation. The Solesky family filed a lawsuit against the pit bull’s owner, who filed for bankruptcy and caused the lawsuit to proceed only against the landlord. “I don’t hate pit bulls or think they should be banned, but if a pit bull mauls a kid who tried to take his bone, it should be lights out,” said writer John Hawkins.
- Pit bull activists say the breed is not any more dangerous than any other breed and that the dog’s disposition is based on how the dog is raised.
- Opponents say the dogs are inherently dangerous and stricter bans should be enacted against the breed.
- In 1996, pit bulls were banned in Prince George’s County.
Other municipalities, including Hagerstown, are looking at breed specific legislation. Pit bulls are legal in Montgomery County but any animal that bites or attacks a person is considered dangerous and is banned in the county. “Dogs that are aggressive often are the result of poor treatment and choices by their owners and sometimes outright training to be aggressive.
Are pit bulls legal in Baltimore?
All Dog Owners – Maryland law does not distinguish between different breeds of dogs or single out pit bulls for special treatment. All dog owners have a common set of responsibilities. Some Maryland counties have breed-specific laws, so make sure to check with your county.
If your dog injures or kills someone, the law presumes that you knew, or should have known, that your dog was dangerous. This presumption makes it easier for the injured person to sue you. You can present evidence that you did not know your dog was dangerous. HOWEVER, unless you can prove that you had this lack of knowledge, the law assumes you knew or should have known.
If your dog causes injury, death, or property damage while running at large, you are legally responsible UNLESS the person who was injured or killed or suffered property damage was doing one of these things:
- Committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner;
- Committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against any person; OR
- Teasing, tormenting, abusing, or provoking the dog.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 3-1901
