[IvJlNwum]

Why do we got to license a dog in this country?

This is what I found regarding laws in maryland, apparently this is only applicable for calvert county, but I know baltimore require you to license your dogs, I just can't find anything about enforcement.
§ 11-510. Enforcement of licenses

(a) The provisions of this section are applicable only in Calvert County.

(b) Any dog found running at large without the proper license tag attached in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle is a nuisance and is subject to seizure, detention and destruction. The dog warden or his duly authorized deputies, whenever possible, shall seize and impound any dog found running at large without the proper license tag attached. When the dog warden or his duly authorized deputies are not able to catch a dog running at large without a license tag, they may shoot or otherwise kill the dog.

(c) The County Commissioners may provide by ordinance that owners of dogs may not permit the dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to run at large within the confines of any platted subdivision or district zoned residential, except when the dog is under the control of the owner or an authorized agent of the owner by leash, cord or chain. However, a petition requesting such an ordinance shall be submitted to the County Commissioners and signed by a majority of the residents of the platted subdivision or district zoned residential, with a designation of the boundary limits of the specific area. Further, the County Commissioners, after advertising the proposed ordinance and a public hearing on that ordinance for 2 consecutive weeks in 2 newspapers of general circulation in Calvert County, shall designate the boundary limits of each area as part of any enacted ordinance.

(d) Any dog seized and impounded shall be held for its owner for a period of 72 hours. During this period any dog seized shall be released to the owner, or his duly authorized representative, upon satisfactory proof of ownership, tender of a fee in whatever amount the County Commissioners determine for the costs of seizure and impounding, and upon presentation of the license for the dog.

(e) Any owner who does not redeem his dog within 72 hours forfeits all rights of ownership and the dog shall be the property of Calvert County. The dog shall remain impounded for an additional 48 hours, during which time any person desiring may obtain ownership of the dog by tendering the fee for the costs of seizure and impounding and by purchasing a license.

(f) Any dog seized and not redeemed within 120 hours from time of its seizure may be killed by the dog warden or one of his duly authorized deputies. If it is killed, it shall be killed in the most humane manner possible.

(g) Whenever the County Commissioners are of the opinion that the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of Calvert County require, the Commissioners by resolution may provide for the quarantine of all dogs, and they may make whatever further rules and regulations concerning dogs they deem necessary.

(h) The County Commissioners may make from time to time all necessary rules and regulations for the sale of dog licenses, the keeping of records of those licenses, and the convenient and effective enforcement of these provisions.

[dubballey]

Since you would move if a ban was ever enacted putting down what his breed really is shouldn't be a problem for you. If by any chance the grandfather clause comes into play you would be covered.

In my county of New Jersey most insurance companies will drop your homeowners insurance policy if you list owning a pitbull.

Another way the town finds out about you owning a dog or cat is if you go to the free rabies clinics that they offer. You will get a letter in the mail telling you to license/register your animals.

[hasasnn2345tv]

Lots of good points of view, thank you! My vet is responsible to submit the license when we have her spayed, which is in 5 weeks time. I am going to comply and license her as the Amstaff she is, if something ever happens the BSL comes in I'll pick up and move.

I must say I have had dogs all of my life but she is my first bull breed. The reaction to her out in public is sometimes quite funny. People ask if she's a Weimaraner due to her color and when we explain what she is they are either eager to learn more about her breed or terrified! I saw one lady literally turn around and run and Luna was only 10 weeks old!

I have also been denied house insurance due to her. One would think she would be considered a security feature! lol I don't care, I love her so much....she is by far the best dog we've ever had!

Thanks again for your insight folks!

[Rounteetepe]

I have my dogs licensed as what they are, an American Bulldog & an APBT... or at least that what they look like, since they are both rescurd. We even take pics of them when we get their tags. Fortunally, we live in a pit bull friendly place. Our shelter gets a lot because they will take them.


I want them to have all the correct info JUST IN CASE they ever end up at the shrlter.

please excuse the typos. i sprained my elbow and am typing one handed

[MadMark]

I recommend following the Law... if you disagree or don't like the law then move elsewhere and check the laws/ordinances out first then make a decision.

By choosing Not to be a Law abiding Citizen is being Irresponsible and you won't here me EVER recommending to break such laws...

[Karinochka]

I would liscence your dog.Its the responsible thing to do.
I have Bella listed as an APBT.Spelled just like that.I figure if they call me on it,i will say ''how was I supposed to fit the full breed name on that tiny little line?'' I refuse to call her a ''pit'' or ''pit bull'' on my paperwork.Pit bull is not a breed,but a breed type,so I would be doing the same thing anyways.Same way she is listed on my vet paperwork.