Queen Annes County, Maryland

§ 9-1 Terms defined.

In general, in this chapter, the following words have the meanings indicated.

BREEDER

A person who breeds or raises dogs or cats to sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer to the public.

§ 9-13 Licensing of commercial animal establishments.

A. A “commercial animal establishment” is any business whose primary or secondary purpose is the sale, transfer, or conveyance of any animal or animal service for money, except animals or services deemed livestock or domestic livestock under this chapter. Commercial animal establishments include, without limitation: an enterprise engaged in sale of animals; a breeder; a humane society, animal rescue, or similar organization; a pet shop; a petting zoo; a grooming shop; a mobile grooming establishment; an auction; a zoological park; a circus; a performing animal exhibition; a boarding or breeding kennel; or an establishment with the purpose of selling, training, or leasing guard dogs.

B. License required.

(1) Commercial animal establishments may not be operated without obtaining a license. Licenses must be renewed annually.

(2) Exemptions. Any facility owned or operated by a government agency or entity shall be exempt from commercial animal establishment license requirements.

C. Licensing procedure.

(1) Initial commercial animal establishment license.

(a) Applications. Applications shall be submitted to the Animal Control Commission and include:

[1] Completed application form; and

[2] Written verification from the Queen Anne’s County Department of Planning and Zoning that the application complies with zoning and land use regulations and is a permitted use, or that they do not apply to the use proposed.

(b) Fees. Applicable license fees as set forth in the animal control regulations shall be submitted to the Animal Control Office.

(c) Inspection. Facility shall be inspected by an Animal Control Officer.

(d) Review. Application shall be reviewed by the Animal Control Commission.

(e) License. Upon approval, license shall be issued by the Animal Control Commission.

(2) Renewal commercial animal establishment license.

(a) Applications. Applications shall be submitted to the Animal Control Commission.

(b) Fees. Applicable license fees as set forth in the animal control regulations shall be submitted to the Animal Control Office.

(c) Inspection. Facility shall be inspected by an Animal Control Officer.

(d) License. Upon approval, license shall be issued by the Animal Control Commission.

D. Inspections. An Animal Control Officer shall be permitted to inspect, at any time and unannounced, all animals and all areas where animals are kept or have access. Failure to allow inspection may result in suspension or revocation of license.

E. License display. A commercial animal establishment license shall be displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises of the establishment.

F. License transfer. Upon change of ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner may have the current license transferred to his/her name upon completion of a successful inspection by an Animal Control Officer and payment of a transfer fee to the Animal Control Office.

G. Individual facilities. Every facility location subject to this chapter shall be considered a separate enterprise requiring an individual license.

H. Previous conviction. A person found guilty of cruelty to animals may not be issued a license to operate a commercial establishment without approval of the Commission.

§ 9-14 Suspension and revocation of license for commercial animal establishments.

A. Violation of law. An Animal Control Officer may apply to the Chairperson or designee of the Commission for a temporary cease and desist order against continued operation of an establishment if the Officer has reason to believe that a person holding a license for a commercial animal establishment has done either of the following:

(1) Refuses or fails to comply with this chapter or any law governing the control, protection, and keeping of animals; or

(2) Has withheld or falsified any information on the application.

B. Seizure. Upon issuance and delivery of such an order to the commercial animal establishment, Animal Control Officers may immediately seize and impound animals in accordance with § 9-23 of this chapter.

C. Hearing. The Animal Control Commission shall hold a hearing within 30 days to determine whether the license shall be suspended or revoked, or whether the cease and desist order shall be rescinded.

D. Revocation. Licenses that have been revoked are fully terminated. Reapplication may be made following the licensing procedures set forth in § 9-13C(1).