It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to allow the animal to be at large in Garrett County, meaning to be off the premises or property of the owner, unless under restraint, except dogs accompanied by the owner or trainer and being used or trained for hunting being followed by person on foot, horseback or in vehicles.
(A) An animal found at large with or without a valid license tag shall, except as provided above, be impounded by the Animal Control Warden and taken to the Animal Control Shelter and there confined in a humane manner for a period of not less than 3 days unless sooner claimed and redeemed by its owner. The Animal Control Officer shall use whatever humane means necessary to catch the animal and is relieved from any liability from harm or injury to the animal at the end of 3 days as indicated above, unclaimed animals shall be deemed abandoned and become the property of the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County and shall be disposed of in the manner prescribed by the Animal Control Officer and approved by the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County.
(B) The owner of any dog or cat against which a complaint has been filed that does not have a current valid license shall be assessed a fine of not less than $25 in addition to any other cost, including the purchase of a current valid license.
(Ord. —, passed 2-3-2004)