Dogs in Maryland, United States: rules, tax and travel
Dogs and cats need rabies shots from 4 months. A dog that injures someone creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew it was dangerous.
Counties set licensing and most dog rules.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Leash and muzzle
Owners are liable for injury, death or loss caused by a dog running at large, subject to exceptions such as provocation and trespass (Courts and Judicial Proceedings 3-1901(c)).[1]
Other rules
Rabies: dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months or older must be adequately vaccinated; the section sets no interval (Health-General 18-318).[2]
Bite liability: modified. Evidence that a dog caused injury creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known of its dangerous tendencies (CJP 3-1901(a)). Common law attack claims apply without regard to breed.[1]
Breed rules: no state preemption of local breed laws found in the section read.[1]
Not confirmed yet: Registration. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.