Overview
- Council Bill 097-2025, sponsored by Council Chair Ed Burroughs, overhauls the animal control code to focus on behavior and owner accountability.
- A constrained pilot program will allow adoptions and fostering of previously banned dogs with a permit, fee, pet‑parent class, microchipping, and spay/neuter, and currently registered dogs are grandfathered.
- The ordinance strengthens leash requirements and sets civil fines for dangerous-dog violations at $500 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second, and $3,000 for a third.
- The council recorded a 7-0 vote with four members leaving the chamber, then held a signing ceremony and sent the bill to the county executive’s office.
- Supporters cited enforcement costs of about $3 million annually and roughly $100 million historically, and estimated 20,000 to 30,000 pit bulls in the county, while opponents voiced safety concerns.