What are the dog liability laws in Maryland?

If you own a dog in Maryland, you are responsible for that dog and anything it does. There are specific laws about your liability and responsibility when it comes to dog ownership. According to the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, one of your main duties is to ensure you dog is properly contained. This could include always keeping your pet on a leash when you are in public and making sure you have a proper fence or tie out for when the dog is outside on your own property.

If your dog is running free, it could be a legal problem for you. If it is unleashed, you could face a fine of $100 the first time it happened and be fined $500 for any other time it happens. In addition, if your dog is running loose, you could end up in a situation where it hurts someone else. If your dog is determined to be a dangerous animal because it has attacked or bitten someone, then you may have to meet very strict containment standards to avoid being fined or having your dog taken away.

When you have your dog in public, even on a leash, it is your responsibility to make sure it does not harm anyone else or even cause someone else to be scared. This means holding your dog back from greeting others unless you know they will be okay with it. It your dog does harm someone, whether physically or mentally, you could face a $500 fine. This information is for education and is not legal advice.