Are Pitbulls Illegal in Maryland? Laws & FAQ

Because of their (unearned) reputation as “aggressive” dogs, Pitbulls are illegal in many towns, cities, and states. If you live in Maryland, you might be wondering what the status of the Pitbull is and if you can adopt one as a pet in the state. There are no dog breeds that the state has placed on its illegal list which means Pitbulls are not illegal in Maryland but one county (Prince George’s) does place restrictions on owning Pitbulls. Knowing this, you might want to learn more about Maryland’s Pitbull laws, how they might affect you, and whether it’s legal to be a Pit owner in the part of Maryland you wish to live in. We have the details and data below so that you can determine a course of action and ensure you and your Pitbull stay on the right side of the law!

Does Maryland Distinguish between Different Dog Breeds?

One of the most important things to note in Maryland is that the state does not distinguish between Pitbulls and other dog breeds and doesn’t single out Pits for any type of special treatment, rules, or laws. Maryland, overall, puts a set of responsibilities on every dog owner that is the same. If your dog were to bite or injure someone, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Pitbull or any other breed; you’ll have some legal problems to deal with.

What Are the Pitbull Laws in Prince George’s County, Maryland?

As we mentioned in the introduction, there is one County in Maryland where Pitbulls are prohibited, Prince George’s County. This county code was adopted in 1997 and still exists today. It prohibits anyone from owning a Pitbull or keeping one on their property. There are, however, several exceptions, including the following:

Do the Prince George’s County Laws affect All Pitbull Types?

As you might already know, the Pitbull is not a breed registered by the AKC. The name “Pit Bull Terrier” Is a type of catch-all breed name that covers several types of canines, including:

None of the breeds are legally allowed in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Also, any dog that has a predominant appearance of being one of the three Pitbull types due to its physical characteristics is prohibited—If it looks like a Pit, they consider it a Pit. Lastly, a dog registered as a Pit Bull Terrier at any time is prohibited in Prince George’s County.

What Is Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)?

When searching for a new Pitbull to adopt, you might have encountered the term “Breed Specific Legislation” or BSL. They’re laws made to prohibit, regulate, or control a specific breed of dog in the area where you live. Unfortunately, over 700 U.S. cities have put breed-specific laws into place, prohibiting Americans from owning or keeping several breeds. That includes the Pitbull but also includes dogs like Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs, and even German Shepherds and Dalmatians.

The good news is that 19 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and 15 more, have placed a statewide ban on BSL. Unfortunately, that leaves 31 states that do not have a statewide BSL ban, allowing any county or city in that state to enact breed-specific legislation. Even more unfortunate is that, according to the ASPCA, there’s no evidence that breed-specific laws make towns or cities safer. The evidence is so strong that the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  strongly opposes the enactment of BSL anywhere in the country.  States that prohibit BSL include the following:

You should note that BSL laws around the United States are constantly changing as they are challenged by Pitbull owners or enacted by folks who fear or loathe Pitbulls for some reason. That’s why, before adopting a Pitbull puppy, you should thoroughly check the BSL in your particular state, county, city, or town.

In Which States Are Pitbulls Illegal to Own Statewide?

Although 17 states prohibit breed-specific legislation, that leaves 33 States that still have them in full or in part. There are, however, nine states that have very specific laws that prohibit Pitbulls completely. They include the following:

If you love Pitbulls, own one already, or plan to adopt one, it would be best to avoid these states so that you avoid any sort of legal hassles.

Which Major Cities Have Bans or Restrictions on Pitbulls?

If you own a Pitbull or are considering adopting one, you should know that the following major U.S. cities have bans or restrictions. Most also have hefty fines if you are caught, and, in some cases, your Pitbull can legally be euthanized. Major cities that have bans or restrictions on Pitbulls include the following:

Maryland’s Pitbull BSL Is Being Challenged in Federal Court

According to WUSA Channel 9, a lawsuit in Laurel, Maryland, is challenging Prince George’s County’s 25-year ban on Pitbulls. The lawsuit results from two emotional support dogs being taken away from a family in the city of Laurel. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that the reason the two dogs, named Bella and Mimi, were taken away is that they got loose and attacked a neighbor’s dog, causing that dog “severe injuries.” The worse news is that both dogs are Pittie mixes and don’t fit the true definition of a Pitbull, which is, again, completely arbitrary in Prince George’s County and many other cities and states.

Are Pitbulls Banned in the District of Columbia (DC)?

Since Prince George’s County encompasses the District of Columbia, many of you might be wondering if Pitbulls are banned there. No, they aren’t. The District of Columbia doesn’t have any breed restrictions they enforce on any dog breed.

Conclusion

Pitbulls are not illegal in Maryland but are prohibited in Prince George’s County. However, even there, breed-specific legislation is being challenged and will hopefully be removed from the law books. Still, owning a Pitbull in this one Maryland county can get you into legal hot water, at least for now, so best to avoid living there or not to adopt a Pitbull until the laws (hopefully) change.

While we don’t agree with BSL, we wholeheartedly recommend obeying any BSL laws enacted in Maryland and other states. Breaking the law will only make the problem worse for you, your Pit, and Pitbulls in general. It’s better to fight a BSL in your community with all the legal tools available. If you do, we wish you the best of luck for a positive outcome and a better public understanding of the much-maligned Pitbull.

• See Also: Are Pitbulls Illegal In Colorado? State Law & Alternatives

Featured Image Credit: Lunja, Shutterstock