Breaking Down Maryland’s Dog Tethering Laws and the Fines You Could Face

In Maryland, dog tethering regulations are established both at the state level and by individual counties, leading to variations across different regions. Below is an overview of tethering laws and associated penalties in Maryland:

Statewide Regulations

• General Prohibitions: Maryland law prohibits tethering a dog under conditions that:
  
  • Cause injury to the dog.
    
  • Restrict the dog’s access to suitable and sufficient clean water or appropriate shelter.
    
  • Expose the dog to unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
    
  • Utilize restraints that are less than the circumference of the dog’s neck plus one inch.
    
  • Employ tethering methods that may endanger the dog’s health, safety, or well-being.
    
• Violations of these provisions are classified as misdemeanors, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
  

County-Specific Regulations

1. Anne Arundel County

• Regulations: A dog may not be tethered, fastened, chained, or tied outdoors by any means for more than 15 minutes per day unless a person aged 13 or older is outdoors on the same property with a direct line of sight to the dog at all times. Additionally, tethering is prohibited if the outdoor temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
  
• Penalties: Specific penalties for violations are not detailed in the provided source.
  

2. Frederick County

• Regulations: It is unlawful to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain, or cause a dog to be restrained to any stationary object for more than four hours cumulatively in any 24-hour period.
  
• Penalties: Specific penalties for violations are not detailed in the provided source.
  

3. Montgomery County

• Regulations: Pet owners can be issued a civil citation with a penalty of $500 for leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle.
  
• Penalties: A civil citation with a penalty of $500 for leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle.
  

Recent Legislative Developments

In 2022, Maryland enacted legislation prohibiting individuals from leaving a dog outside and unattended for longer than 30 minutes without access to continuous suitable shelter or suitable shade during certain weather conditions or temperatures, subject to certain exceptions. 

Maryland’s approach to dog tethering regulations includes both statewide laws and county-specific ordinances designed to ensure the humane treatment of animals. Penalties for violations vary, ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the specific jurisdiction. Dog owners in Maryland should familiarize themselves with both state and local ordinances to ensure compliance and promote the well-being of their pets.