ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 192

Section 236A

Annotated Code of Maryland

(2001 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 25 - County Commissioners

236A.

The County Commissioners for Washington County may adopt an animal
control ordinance to:

(1)     Create [an] A QUASI-JUDICIAL DELIBERATIVE animal control
authority for Washington County to:

(I)      HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS TO DECIDE CITATIONS, COMPLAINTS,
AND OTHER CONTROVERSIES ARISING UNDER THE ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE,
OTHER THAN THOSE FILED WITH THE DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR
WASHINGTON COUNTY, SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF A PARTY TO FILE A PETITION FOR
JUDICIAL REVIEW IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY; AND

(II)     ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNANCE OF
ITS HEARINGS;

(2)      DESIGNATE AN APPROPRIATE PRIVATE AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT OF
COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO:

(i) Enforce the provisions of the ordinance;

(ii) Maintain records regarding the licensing, impoundment, and
disposition of animals coming into the custody of the [animal control authority]
PRIVATE AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; and

(iii) Enter into contracts or agreements to provide for the disposal of
animals;

[(2)] (3) Provide for the designation of animal control shelters in
Washington County;

[(3)] (4)     Specify rules and regulations that may include:

(i)     The licensing of dogs, kennels, and pet shops;

(ii)    The control of rabid animals; and

(iii)   The disposition of uncontrolled, vicious, and sick animals; and

[(4)] (5)     Provide penalties for a violation of the animal control ordinance.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2003.

Approved April 22, 2003.

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