Local Government - Animal Control - Dogs At Large (Dog Leash Laws)

HB 1568 requires all Maryland counties and municipalities to adopt local laws prohibiting dogs from being unrestrained in public ("at large"). The bill mandates that local governments establish procedures for impounding loose dogs and define penalties for violations, including both civil and criminal consequences. It explicitly states that local jurisdictions may adopt stricter rules than this law requires. The bill references a 2023 court case to define "running at large" but does not change existing state-level animal control authority. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.