Maryland Dog Bite Laws

In 2023, a dog bite victim managed to win $132,322 for her personal injury. Without any kind of provocation, an unleashed dog bit Amanda Breski, the victim, on the leg. She had to get medical attention because the bite caused multiple puncture wounds. She brought a strict liability claim against Julie Colin and Emily Blitzer, the owners of the dog that attacked her. The jury granted the claim in accordance with Maryland dog bite laws, and Breski received damages.

This kind of incident serves as a warning to Maryland residents that a dog may still bite them even if they have not provoked the animal. The aftermath of a dog attack can result in costly medical expenses; thus, it is important for a dog bite victim to understand their legal rights in pursuing compensation for their injuries.

This article gives you a general summary of Maryland's dog bite laws. It discusses how liability is established in dog bite cases and the legal consequences for owners. It also tackles the steps a dog bite victim should take to support their personal injury claim.

Dog Owner Responsibilities in Maryland

It is against the law for dog owners in Maryland to leave a dangerous dog alone on their property unless the dog is kept indoors, in a locked and securely enclosed pen, or in any kind of building intended to confine the animal. This implies that owners are not allowed to just tie up a vicious dog outside and go.

A dog is considered dangerous if:

• It has killed or gravely injured someone without provocation (e.g., poking, teasing, or hitting the dog).

• It was declared a potentially dangerous dog by an appropriate government unit, and it subsequently attacks or bites someone without provocation. 

A "grave injury" is defined as physical harm that results in numerous stitches or cosmetic surgery, fractured bones, or disfiguring lacerations.

A leash and muzzle are required before a dangerous dog can be permitted to leave its owner's property. Liability in Maryland is significantly influenced by leash requirements. If the owner lets their dog roam without a leash and this leads to a biting incident, they may be held accountable for the harm that their dog caused.

If the owner sells or gives the dangerous dog to someone, they also have a duty to provide the authorities with the identity and contact details of the new owner. Owners who disobey this law may be fined up to $2,500. In rare circumstances, the authorities may take the dog away from the new owner temporarily or permanently.

Breed-Specific Legislation in Maryland

The laws governing dogs in the majority of Maryland counties do not differentiate between different dog breeds or specifically name any breed, such as pit bulls, as being more dangerous than others. Although having a pit bull is not prohibited in Maryland, there are restrictions on owning one in Prince George’s County. 

It is against the law to keep or own a pit bull in Prince George’s County unless the owner acquired the dog before November 1, 1996. Such dogs are required to:

• Be registered regularly with the Animal Control administrator.

• Wear the administrator's tag.

• Be kept inside an enclosed building or safe kennel. 

• Wear an unbreakable leash and be under the supervision of an adult when leaving the owner’s property.

Breaking this law can result in the owner facing a maximum six-month jail sentence or fines of up to $1,000 and the impoundment of their pit bull.

In addition to the previously mentioned exception, Prince George's County residents may temporarily keep a pit bull if it is to be shown at an event sponsored by a dog club or organization. The owner must secure permission from the Department of Environmental Resources, keep the dog in an enclosure to and from the event venue, and make sure it does not escape at any time.

Liability Standards in Maryland Dog Bite Cases

Strict Liability

The strict liability doctrine governs dog bite laws in Maryland. It enforces automatic liability on dog owners for harm and property damage caused by their pets, provided that the owners are unable to refute the presumption that they are aware or should have been aware that their dogs are dangerous. Dog owners are not strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets if the victim did any of the following actions:

• Provoked, harassed, mistreated, or tortured the dog.

• Broke into the owner's property.

• Committed or attempted to commit a criminal act on the owner's property or against an individual.

Negligence

If a dog bite incident occurs in Maryland as a result of the carelessness of the dog owner, the victim may pursue a civil lawsuit against the owner or a claim with the dog owner's liability insurance based on the doctrine of negligence.

The injured party usually needs to demonstrate the following to be successful in a negligence-based dog injury case in Maryland:

• The dog owner had an obligation to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.

• The dog owner neglected this obligation.

• The victim suffered injury as a result of the dog owner's carelessness.

For their defense, dog owners can use the contributory negligence rule. The injured party will not be entitled to any compensation if they are determined to be even partly at fault for their injuries. For example, if a victim teases a dog that is leash-free in a public area and the dog bites them, they cannot hold the owner accountable for their injuries.

Landlord Liability

Landlords may also be responsible for damages brought on by a tenant's dog, regardless of its breed, if they knew the animal was dangerous and failed to take appropriate precautions to keep tenants and guests safe.

Statute of Limitations in Maryland for Dog Bite Cases

If a dog attacks or bites you in Maryland, you have three years from the day of the incident to file a claim for losses or damages. If you wait too long to pursue accountability for your injuries and this legal deadline passes, you will be barred from recovering any compensation at all.

Civil Penalties for Dog Bites in Maryland

In Maryland, a dog that bites someone should be placed under quarantine in a secure location. This place could be the owner's home, the public health veterinarian's workplace, or the local health officer's office. The owner may be required to have their dog regularly checked for rabies by a certified veterinarian at any point during the confinement. They are also responsible for paying any examination fees or other related expenses.

A dog owner may be subject to civil liabilities in addition to the costs of quarantine if their negligence results in an injury to someone. This liability includes everything from medical expenses incurred after the dog bite to the cost of plastic surgery needed to treat long-term injuries.

Dog bite victims may have their medical expenses reimbursed by their health insurance. If the injury claim is based on negligence or strict liability, renters’ and homeowners’ insurance can also compensate the victim. These insurance plans may also cover damages from a dog bite, even if the incident happened outside of the homeowner's property.

Criminal Penalties for Dog Bites in Maryland

In Maryland, owners of dangerous dogs must abide by certain rules. If an owner disobeys these guidelines, they might be subjected to a misdemeanor charge and a $2,500 fine. A dog owner may also be charged with a crime in a personal injury case involving a dog bite or attack if their dog is deemed dangerous and that pet causes serious harm or death to other people.

In Maryland, these criminal charges are not applicable if the dog is owned or used by the government or law enforcement officers.

Reporting and Handling Dog Bite Incidents

If a dog bites you in Maryland, you should stop the bleeding and give the wound a good wash using warm water to sterilize it and avoid infection. Seek medical treatment and obtain the necessary expert assistance if the injury seems severe. In Maryland, a dog bite claimant may utilize the medical records of their injuries to prove their financial damages.

In addition to getting medical help, you can take the following steps to support your dog bite claim in Maryland:

• Getting in touch with a local animal control officer, submitting a report, and asking for an investigation.

• Determining the dog owner's details, such as their name and address.

• Checking to see if all of the dog's vaccinations are updated.

• Taking pictures of the incident scene and your wounds.

• Writing a detailed story about what happened.

• Speaking with a dog bite lawyer about your options for obtaining financial compensation.

How To Find a Dog Bite Attorney in Maryland

You may locate a dog bite lawyer in Maryland who meets your needs by looking for one online and requesting a consultation about your case. Maryland’s dog bite regulations are complicated, so having an expert on your side is essential. An experienced dog bite lawyer has handled situations comparable to yours and will know how to handle them professionally. 

To help you obtain compensation for dog bite injury-related expenses, your lawyer will be in charge of the discussions with the applicable insurance provider. In the event that negotiations fail, your lawyer will present your case to the judge and make an argument on your behalf.

Other Resources for Dog Bite Victims in Maryland

Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center

The Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center looks out for the safety and welfare of the county's residents in addition to providing care and shelter to the abused, neglected, and homeless animals in the community. Its officers examine citizen complaints and respond to animal emergencies around the clock, seven days a week. These calls pertain to a variety of animal-related issues, including law enforcement, animal cruelty and neglect, aggressive animal complaints, and sick or wounded wildlife. 

Contact Information
Phone number: (240) 773-5900
Address: 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd., Derwood, MD 20855

Frederick County Animal Control

The Frederick County Animal Control implements all local, state, and federal laws in the community to protect animals from abuse, cruelty, and neglect. In addition, it looks into all animal bite cases in the county, helps people locate lost pets, accepts family pets for adoption, and runs a Pet Food Bank program to help those in need of pet food and promote responsible pet ownership.

Contact Information
Phone number: 301-600-1546
Fax: 301-600-1547
Email: animalcontrol@frederickcountymd.gov
Address: 1832 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD 21702

Carroll County Health Department

The Carroll County Health Department offers a wide range of community services. The Bureau of Environmental Health has the obligation to reduce the harmful effects of rabies on the community. Animal bite investigations, quarantine management, animal clinics, and deciding when to put an animal to rest or turn it in for testing in a lab are all under the responsibility of the Bureau.

Phone Numbers 
Animal Control: 410-848-4810
Emergency Communications Center: 410-386-2260
Health Department: 410-876-1884 or 1-800-966-3877