CB46, bill to overhaul the Prince George's County Animal Control code, will be voted on November 19, 2019. If passed with its current amendments it will strengthen the behavior-based dangerous animal law. It will create a "potentially dangerous animal" category designed to address nuisance and problem dogs in the neighborhood before they become dangerous. It will define an "irresponsible owner" and create penalties for being one, up to and including being prohibited from owning animals for up to five years. It will increase the penalties for aggravated cruelty to animals and animal fighting.
Passing CB46 as amended allows animal control to intervene with problem dogs in the neighborhood before they become a danger to the community...by addressing both the animal's behavior and the owner's behavior!
CB46 will also repeal the 22 year-old breed ban.
Passing CB46 as amended is very important to increasing safety in Prince George's County for people and animals. But the new law won't make anyone safe if it can't be ENFORCED. Repealing the breed ban will free up over a quarter million dollars every year in cost savings to animal control that can be applied to the new nuisance law, potentially dangerous law, dangerous animal law, and the irresponsible owner law. Laws that apply to all animals. Legislators rarely get an opportunity to save money and improve public safety. Pass CB46 and repeal the breed ban and they can do exactly that.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Like the Maryland Dog Federation on Facebook
2. Email the Council
3. Attend the public hearing on November 19
4. Stay tuned for more details!
County residents! Neighboring county residents! The Council needs to hear from you. Send a simple email to the Council today to vote YES on CB46 as amended in committee. Politely tell the Council you SUPPORT a cost efficient, strong animal control law based on BEHAVIORS and responsible ownership that can be properly ENFORCED.
Have you been prevented from moving to Prince George's by the ban? Tell the Council! Do you work in Prince George's County but have to live elsewhere because your dog is in danger there? Tell the Council! Do you have to hide your dog because you're stuck in Prince George's County.....
Send your email by October 22nd to the entire Council:
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