If you’ve spotted a pack of dogs roaming a rural stretch of Frederick County or noticed a lone stray near a Baltimore suburb, you may have wondered what the law actually says about those animals. Maryland does not have a single statute labeled “feral dog law,” but a web of state codes and county ordinances shapes exactly how feral and free-roaming dogs are defined, managed, and removed across the state.
Understanding these rules matters whether you’re a property owner, a concerned neighbor, or someone who has just been bitten. The sections below walk through each piece of that legal framework so you know where you stand and what steps to take.
Important Note: Maryland animal law is split between state statutes and county ordinances. Rules on fines, trapping procedures, and dangerous-dog classifications can vary significantly by jurisdiction. Always confirm current requirements with your county’s animal control office or a licensed Maryland attorney.
How Maryland Defines Feral Dogs
Maryland does not use the term “feral dog” in its state statutes the way some other states do. Instead, state law focuses on two related categories: dogs “at large” and dogs that are “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous.” A dog running loose without an owner present is treated as a dog at large, and a dog that has attacked or seriously injured a person or animal can be classified as dangerous under Maryland Criminal Law § 10-619…