Calvert County, Maryland

§ 7-1-201 Definitions.

The terms used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

BREEDER

A person who mates animals with the intention of selling the offspring.

BREEDING FACILITY

A place used to mate animals with the intention of selling the offspring.

§ 7-4-101 Dog and cat licenses.

A. All dogs and cats in Calvert County five months of age or older shall be licensed. Dog and cat licenses may be issued simultaneously with the required rabies vaccination at the age of four months.

§ 7-4-102 Applications; fees; locations for purchase.

A. The application for a license shall include:

[…]

(2) Proof of spaying or neutering, if applicable;

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B. The license fee shall be determined by the Board of County Commissioners and may be amended from time to time. The fees for licenses are:

(1) For dogs and cats that have not been neutered or spayed: $20.

(2) For dogs and cats that have been neutered or spayed: $7.

§ 7-4-201 Animal establishments requiring a license.

A. Kennel facilities and breeding facilities located in Calvert County shall be required to obtain a commercial animal establishment license issued by the Board of County Commissioners through the Animal Control Division on an annual basis.

§ 7-4-202 Applications.

A. The application for a commercial animal establishment shall include:

(1) Upon the initial issuance of a license, evidence of an approved permit from the Department of Planning and Zoning or a certification from the Department of Planning and Zoning stating the commercial animal establishment is in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and a permitted use at the stated location;

(2) Evidence of all required state licenses; and

(3) The owner’s certification that he/she has not been found guilty of cruelty to animals in any jurisdiction or state.

B. No person, partnership, or corporation found guilty of cruelty to animals in any jurisdiction or state shall be issued a license to operate a commercial animal establishment in Calvert County.

§ 7-4-203 Fees.

A. The annual licensing fees shall be established by the Board of County Commissioners and may be modified from time to time.

B. The annual licensing fees for kennel facilities and breeding facilities shall be as follows:

(1) One hundred dollars for up to 11 animals.

(2) Two hundred dollars for 12 to 24 animals.

(3) Four hundred dollars for 25 or more animals.

§ 7-4-204 Licenses.

A. Commercial animal establishment licenses:

(1) Shall be displayed in a conspicuous place.

(2) Are not transferable.

B. Commercial animal establishments that change criteria, size or use shall be subject to reinspection, reclassification, and readjustment of the license fee.

C. Separate licenses are required for each facility.

§ 7-4-205 Inspections.

A. Except for establishments operated by a licensed and regularly practicing veterinarian, Animal Control Officers are authorized to inspect animal establishments:

(1) To determine if the establishment is operating in accordance with the license issued;

(2) To determine if animals are being treated or kept in violation of this chapter or state law.

(3) On demand during normal business hours when the Animal Control Officer is responding to a complaint that the:

(a) Animals are being treated inhumanely or in violation of this chapter or law;

(b) Facility is being maintained in an unsanitary manner; or

(c) Animals are being kept or the facility is being maintained in violation of any provision of this chapter or law.

B. It shall be unlawful for a person to refuse to allow an inspection of a commercial animal establishment.