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Maryland Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: Why is my mother charged for stray cats she doesn't own?

I'm concerned about my neighbor bringing an animal nuisance charge against my mother in Harford County, MD, for stray cats that do not belong to her. There have been no interactions with the neighbor, no notifications from city officials or animal control, and we were informed that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Small Claims and Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: Do I need a public defender for a vet bill dispute in small claims?

A veterinarian's office ran a test on my pet without my knowledge or approval and did not inform me until I called to make an appointment months later. They claimed I owe $80 for the test, despite not discussing or approving it, and they cannot find any record of my approval. I refused to pay,... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 10, 2025

The Public Defender's Office only represents person charged with a criminal offense who cannot fford a lawyer to defend the charges. You are being sued in civil court for an unpaid debt or for breach of contract. Persons appearing in civil court cases are not entitled to receive free legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: Will a lease termination for pet violation affect my rental record if I vacate by deadline?

I received a lease termination notice from my landlord, who claims I violated the lease by having more dogs than allowed. The lease specifies no pit bulls or aggressive breeds, and my dog is an American bulldog. This is the first time I've been notified of this issue. If I vacate by the given... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Feb 18, 2025

The simple answer is yes, but if you do so without negotiating an end to your lease, you may get stuck paying for a portion of what remains on your lease (assuming it's not a month-to-month lease at this time). I would recommend negotiating an end to your lease and getting something in writing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: I am being sued because my dog bit someone else's after getting out and need to know my options

I had a cousin staying with me temporarily while getting back on his feet after moving back to our home state he was very informed about the fact they my dog is reactive and has dog on dog aggression I keep signs posted I keep two out of three of my property gates permanently sealed to have the... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Feb 7, 2025

If you have homeowner's insurance, you should report the claim to your carrier and they should cover the claim. They would hire an attorney to defend you and pay any judgment that is rendered.

If not, your cousin may jointly and severally liable and you could sue him for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: What can be done about a dog continuously getting out of its owners property

My neighbors dog keeps getting out of their yard, constantly barking and nipping at people walking by. Causes every other dog on the street to go ballistic.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 25, 2024

Call Animal Control

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: I bought some cattle over the phone from a cattle dealer in NY State. He told me they weigh an average of 1250 Lbs.

When they got here I weighed them and they averaged 915 lbs. I had paid him before he sent them to me. What can I do to make him take them back or refund money to me ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 6, 2023

In your situation, where the cattle delivered from New York State weigh significantly less than what was represented by the seller, you have a few potential options to pursue. The discrepancy in weight can be a valid basis for a claim, especially if you have evidence of the seller's original... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Agricultural Law, Animal / Dog Law and Environmental for Maryland on
Q: Can dnr officers search my house without permission in md if someone (lies) tells them i have a monkey inside my house?

They came and knocked on my door but i didn't answer. I was told by a neighbor that another neighbor that doesn't like me told the police or dnr that i have a monkey. But now I'm scared to sleep bc in scared they are gonna raid my house n i have really bad anxity and ptsd. I... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Nov 2, 2023

They cannot raid your house unless they get a warrant.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Maryland on
Q: What type of lawyer helps us fight a business that sold a faulty prod resulting in a fire and pet death?

Our camper caught fire before getting it insured. We learned the fire was (in a nutshell) b/c of either a faulty device or poor installation of another company's device that was installed by the manufacturer. Basically, the fire was inevitable and there was no warnings despite customer... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Sep 8, 2023

You should look for an attorney that handles fire cases. Under the law, you will have the burden of proof to show that the fire was caused by a defective product or someone's negligence. This is requires expert testimony which can be expensive. Some attorneys will advance the expenses and take... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: In Baltimore County Md does your yard need to be fenced if you are leaving your dog out unleashed?

My neighbor thinks because the leash law only says that her dog must be leashed only when off of her property she can let it out in an unfenced yard where it isn’t contained and in my opinion not under her control because she doesn’t have it on a leash. Is that accurate??

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Jun 20, 2023

If the dog does not leave the owner's property, it does not have to be leashed. However, if the dog ventures away from the owner's property, it is a violation if the dog is not leashed.

The Baltimore County Code states:

(c)Animal at large.

(1) (i)"Animal at...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: An ex left me their dog and cat almost 5 years ago, now they are threatening to come take them back. Can that happen?

What should I do being the animals were originally obtained in nj but have been living with only me in md for the past 5 years. Do they still have rights if they left the animals 5 years ago with no contact?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 20, 2023

Your argument is either (1) they were a gift to you, and once given, title passes to the recipient, so those pets are yours now; or (2) he abandoned them--abandonment being the intentional relinquishment of property (pets are property under Maryland law) and giving up of rights, which may be proven... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: I was given a dog back in June 2022, now its almost 2023 and their threatening me to give the dog back?

I have vet records in my name. The original owner got incarnated and his girlfriend is who gave me the dog. Legally what can they do to get the dog back do they have any rights ? Thanks

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 21, 2022

If the dog was not the property of the girlfriend, she had no legal right to give it away without authorization and consent of the incarcerated owner. If the incarcerated owner gave her that consent, then that's a different matter. A person (you) who receives a gift or even purchases... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: An independent contractor dog walker for a DC-based dog walking company was bitten by a MD client's dog.

The business is not yet registered in MD. Will this fact affect her case?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 13, 2022

Probably not. Not all businesses need to be registered to do business in Maryland. The dog bite claim may be treated independently from the dog walking contract. Not enough facts to evaluate. However, if the dog walking business is a party to the suit, and if it is required to be registered to do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: My live-in boyfriend bought a dog in May. He moved out October 2 and left the dog, expressed intention to get her.

He wants to get the dog when he has a stable place to live. How long can he leave her with me until I can assume ownership. I have paid for all her food and provided all her care.

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Oct 21, 2022

Dogs are considered personal property under Maryland law. The owner of the dog is the person that purchased the dog. Personal property can be abandoned, but in this case, he has indicated that he intends to retrieve the dog which indicates he is not abandoning the dog.

As the owner of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: How long does an owner have to claim lost dog until dog belongs to new owner. After original has been contacted?

Lost dog was found on N. Carolina interstate. Friend brought dog to Maryland as they were returning from a trip. Attempts were made to find owner via lost dog webpages in the county that the dog was found. I took dog to animal shelter in MD and found out it was chipped and the owners were contacted... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Oct 3, 2022

When the owners' failure to come get the dog meets the legal definition of abandonment. Abandonment requires the intentional giving up of ownership. Intent can be express ("I no longer want the dog, you can have it"), or implied through conduct (e.g., refusal to respond to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: Me and my ex split two weeks ago, we bought a dog together and she will not let me see him, do I have rights to see him?
Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Jun 27, 2022

Dogs are considered personal property under the law. The owner of the dog is the purchaser. Evidence could include the name on the bill of sale, the name listed on the veterinarian's records, etc. Courts do not get involved in "visitation" issues for pets.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: My dog playing with another dog on my property. The other dog ran off my property but my dog stayed. Whos responsible?

Who’s responsible if the dog scares a neighbor walking by? Am I responsible for the unleashed dog leaving my property or is the other dog owner responsible. There was no attack but I’m being threatened that I’m responsible for unleashed dog leaving my property

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jan 21, 2022

Who is threatening you? Animal Control officers? They do not threaten, they issue warnings and citations. You cannot have unleashed dogs (yours or others under your supervision) running loose off your property or having unwanted contact with others. If you took responsibility to watch and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: Dogs running at large case(no hurt,no bark) MD law:the maximum penalty-30 days jail for the owner.When it can happen?

Dogs get run. Didn’t hurt anyone, didn’t bark. Just run through the neighbor’s yard to the forest. No intention from the owner. “Nice” Neighbour opened cases “dogs at large”, “dogs trespassing”. Surprisingly, maximum penalty for dogs running at large in MD is 30 days jail for the... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Jan 20, 2022

I seriously doubt you would receive jail time for this. You may want to retain counsel to get the best possible result.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: My in laws separated & are divorcing she wouldn’t allow him to take his dog all the paperwork is in his name

but she was never gifted the dog or paid a dime towards food or vet expenses he gave me ownership through the vet when he found out she tried to rehome the dog many of times and had me caring for dog die to her living conditions now she’s wanting the dog and saying the dog is her emotional... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jan 11, 2022

If the dog was purchased/acquired during the marriage, and was not a gift made just to the husband, then the dog would be marital property. He would not be the sole owner. However, you are claiming he made a gift of the dog to you. Whether a court would uphold a gift made by one joint owner of a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: Can I avoid a 3 dog limit in my county if I am a professional dog trainer/business owner with demo dogs at home?

Baltimore County

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 25, 2021

Each county and incorporated town or city has its owm local code or ordinances governng this issue. In Baltimore County, if you have more than three dogs, you are required to obtain a holding facility or kennel license. To find out if you are zoned for a holding facility or kennel license, please... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: How long does my sister have to have her dead fiance's dog in her possession before it's legally hers

My sister's Fiance died on Monday and he had this dog before they even met but they were together for a little over a year and living together for about 4 months when he died his parents are to fragile to handle the dog and told her she should keep him on Friday a friend of his said he is... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Sep 12, 2021

The dog is personal property under the law. Personal property of a deceased person belongs to the deceased person's estate. When someone dies without a will, the law of intestate succession applies to determine the legal heirs entitled to inherit the estate assets. An unmarried person... View More

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