(a) This section does not apply in Washington County.
(b) (1) The governing body of a county may adopt rules and regulations for:
(i) sales of dog licenses;
(ii) keeping records of dog licenses; and
(iii) enforcing this subtitle.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the governing body may delegate, by written contract, the enforcement and administration of this subtitle to any organization or municipality in the county.
(3) (i) The governing body shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(ii) A cancellation under this paragraph:
1. may be without notice or recourse, if the cancellation is for cause; or
2. requires notice at least 30 days before cancellation, if the cancellation is without cause.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the sheriff or a deputy authorized by the sheriff:
(i) shall enforce this subtitle; and
(ii) may issue a summons to a person who violates a provision of this subtitle.
(2) In Calvert County and Garrett County:
(i) this subtitle shall be enforced by:
1. the sheriff or any deputy authorized by the sheriff; or
2. an animal control officer appointed by the county commissioners or the county commissioner’s designee; and
(ii) the sheriff, a deputy authorized by the sheriff, or an animal control officer may issue a summons to any person violating a provision of this subtitle.
(3) The governing body of a county shall pay the actual expenses in enforcing this subtitle, including paying the salary of a deputy appointed for that purpose.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals
Section 13-101 - Scope of Subtitle
Section 13-102 - Regulation and Enforcement
Section 13-103 - Compensation for Tax Collectors
Section 13-105 - Aggressive Dogs
Section 13-106 - Unlicensed or Menacing Dogs -- Contracts for Removal, Care, and Disposition
Section 13-107 - Licensed Dogs as Personal Property