Baltimore County has enacted a new package of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for pets and holding owners accountable. The laws introduce a “reckless animal owner” designation that bans individuals from owning pets for four years if they violate animal welfare codes multiple times within two years. The legislation also sets clear standards for pet care, including shelter and veterinary treatment, and categorizes animals based on the threat they pose, such as dangerous or menacing animals.

Additionally, the laws shorten the appeal period for animal hearing board decisions from 30 to 10 days, speeding up the process and reducing the time animals remain in uncertain situations. Officials emphasized the need to modernize outdated laws, especially following a surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to increased cases of abuse. The new measures reflect Baltimore County’s commitment to better animal welfare and accountability.