pit bull law and animal control

The Pit Bull Law and Animal Control

The issue of pit bulls in Prince George's County was settled long ago

by ordinance. Pit Bulls are defined as:

* Staffordshire Bull Terrier

* American Staffordshire Terrier

* American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dogs or dogs that exhibit the

characteristics of a Pit Bull more than any other breed of dog

Pit Bulls born after February 3, 1997, are illegal and must be removed

from the County. For Pit Bulls owned prior to February 3, 1997, owners

must provide written proof of ownership, which could include rabies

certificate, veterinarian bill, or other similar documentation. Pit

Bulls owned prior to February 3, 1997, must be maintained within a

building or kennel at all times. When outside, Pit Bulls must be kept

under control of an adult and secured by an unbreakable or unseverable

leash. Violations of the Pit Bull Law will result in fines up to

$1,000 or a sentence of not more than six months imprisonment. The

County encourages residents to report suspected violations of the Pit

Bull Law to Animal Control at 301-499-8300.

The Mount Rainier Police will respond to incidents of violent or

dangerous dogs, regardless of breed. Our officers will report these

animals to Animal Control, whose responsibility it is to come and

assess and/or remove the dog if necessary. Animal Control's normal

business hours are from 7 AM until Midnight. After hours, their phones

are forwarded to an answering service. The service will contact the

on-call Animal Control officer for complaints received after normal

business hours. Contrary to what we've been told in the past, they

will respond to complaints regardless of whether or not the dog is

confined. If the animal is running loose Animal Control will attempt

to catch it, and failing that, attempt to locate the owner. On the

other hand, MRPD officers will not try and catch a stray or loose

animal. We do not have the proper tools to protect the animal or

ourselves from potential injury. If we can identify the animal's

owner, we will try and notify the owner to come and get their pet.

Failing that, we rely on Animal Control to corral strays and loose

dogs.

Animal Control will also respond to determine if an animal is being

kept illegally, i.e., in violation of the Pit Bull Law. If the animal

is in violation of the County Code, the owner will be asked to

voluntarily sign the dog over to Animal Control. If the owner does

that, the Animal Control Officer will take custody of the dog. Should

the owner refuse, the police will be called to the residence, and if

the owner continues to refuse, he/she will be arrested and Animal

Control will seize the dog pursuant to the arrest.

It is important to notify Animal Control whenever you suspect someone

is keeping an animal illegally, or if you have reason to believe a

particular animal is dangerous to the community. Certainly, if a

dangerous animal is on the loose you should call our police

communications center at 301-985-6565 so that one of our officers can

respond to help control the situation. You may contact Animal Control