Public Nuisance Animals

Baltimore City Code div. Health Code, tit. 10, subtit. 5

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 10-501 Definitions.

§ 10-501. Definitions. (a) In general. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated. (b) Public nuisance animal. “Public nuisance animal” means an animal that: (1) is found at large; (2) damages the property of anyone other than its owner or custodian; (3) defecates on public property; (4) urinates or defecates on private property; (5) molests pedestrians or passersby; (6) chases vehicles; (7) excessively makes disturbing noises (including continued or repeated howling, barking, whining, or other utterances) that unreasonably cause annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept; (8) fouls the air by odor so as to unreasonably cause annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept; (9) causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept; (10) by virtue of the number or types of animals maintained, is offensive or dangerous to the pubic health, safety, or welfare; (11) attacks other animals; or (12) has been found by the Commissioner to be a public nuisance animal by virtue of being offensive or a danger to the public health, safety, or welfare. (c) Public nuisance condition. (1) In general. “Public nuisance condition” means: (i) an unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive condition caused by: A. the size, number, or types of animals maintained or kept; B. the inadequacy of the facilities; or C. the manner or method of holding, confining, restraining, boarding, or training animals; or (ii) any other condition that the Commissioner deems to be a public nuisance condition. (2) Inclusions. “Public nuisance condition” includes any premises in which: (i) an animal is maintained or kept under a condition that constitutes neglect of or cruelty to the animal; or (ii) the animal is in an unsanitary condition. (Ord. 11-573.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 10-502 Owner or custodian to exercise care and control.

§ 10-502. Owner or custodian to exercise care and control. Every owner or custodian of an animal must exercise proper care and control to prevent the animal from becoming a public nuisance animal. (Ord. 11-573.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 10-503 Nuisances prohibited.

§ 10-503. Nuisances prohibited. (a) In general. No person may keep or maintain any animal in the City in a manner that: (1) causes or permits it to be a public nuisance animal; or (2) causes or permits the animal to cause a public nuisance condition. (b) Disturbing health, safety, or welfare. No person may keep or maintain any animal in the City in a manner that disturbs the health, safety, or welfare of any person. (Ord. 11-573.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 10-504 Animals at large.

§ 10-504. Animals at large. (a) “Animal at large” defined. “Animal at large” means any animal that is: (1) off the premises of its owner or custodian; and (2) not under restraint in the manner required by § 10- 307 {“Restraints required”} of this title. (b) Prohibited conduct. No owner or custodian of an animal may allow it to be an animal at large. (c) Restraints and control. When an animal is off the premises of the owner or custodian, the animal must be: (1) restrained as required by § 10-307 {“Restraints required”}; and (2) under the control of a person who is capable of controlling and physically restraining the animal. (d) Off-leash recreation. An animal that is participating in an off-leash activity approved by the Commissioner or is in an area and during the hours approved by the Director of Recreation and Parks for off-leash recreation is not at large unless the animal leaves the activity or area or remains beyond the approved hours. (Ord. 11-573.)

Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/health/10/5Fetched: 10/25/2026