SALISBURY, Md.- New animal regulations will go into effect in Wicomico County on Jan. 19.
The Wicomico County Council approved the new regulations back in October. The bill repeals the Wicomico County's current dog laws and is replacing them with regulations that many expect to strengthen animal welfare throughout the county.
The new law provides:
- Provisions from the State of Maryland Animal Care and Cruelty Law
- A Trap, Neuter and Return Program (TNR) for community cats
- Tighter regulations on tethering an animal.
- Protection of animals in unsafe weather conditions to include wind chill factor and heat index
- Animals At-Large Prohibited (previously only pertained to dogs)
- Animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet while on school grounds or at a public
recreation area. - An Animal Control Officer, upon impounding an animal, must record the breed, color, sex and
license-status of the animal. This information shall be posted on the Animal Control Authority’s
website within 24 hours after impounding the animal. - If a female dog or cat in heat or an unneutered male dog or cat belonging to the same owner is
impounded twice within 12 months, the dog or cat will become the property of the Animal
Control Authority unless the owner pays for the spaying or neutering of the dog or cat by the
animal control authority within one week after notice. - New provisions on breeder license.
- New provisions on the Sale of a Puppy or Kitten
- New provisions on Disposal of Dead Animals
- To adopt a dog or cat from the Animal Control Authority, the adopter must pay or reimburse the
Animal Control Authority to neuter or spay the animal (If not already done), and other
reasonable charges and fees. In addition the adopter must certify in writing under penalty of
perjury that he or she has not been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect by a court of law. - New requirement to obtain a County dog license and tag from the Wicomico County Humane
Society if not provided with rabies vaccination.
You can find a full copy of the bill on the County's website at http://www.wicomicocounty.org/670/2018-Legislative-Bills.
