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Report Violations of Animal Laws

For complete information on County animal laws and fines, see Article 12 of the County Code

Report Animal Abuse or File a Complaint

Individuals may check the status of an existing animal complaint, or report abuse or submit complaints describing what they believe to be a violation of the County’s animal laws. 

Contact InformationType of Report/Complaint
Baltimore County Police Department
Call 911.

Animal abuse is a crime. If you witness a person inflicting harm or injury on an animal call 911.

Police Non-Emergency
Phone: 410-887-2222
  • To file an animal cruelty or neglect report when immediate police intervention is not required.
  • To report animal bites

 

Animal Services
File an online complaint.
Note: Do not use this form to report animal cruelty.
Phone: 410-887-PAWS, option 4

 

Contact Animal Services to report the following:

  • Animal hoarding
  • Animal nuisances
  • Barking dogs
  • Excessive animal feces in a yard
  • Illegal animal facilities
  • Stray or loose animals
  • Menacing or dangerous animals
  • Sick, injured or dead animals
Rabies Investigations
Phone: 410-887-5963

To report rabies concerns.

About the Affidavit of Complaint Process

An affidavit is written legal testimony from a witness to an incident that has occurred. Since citations are issued based on the information received by the accuser, it is important that this information includes a vivid firsthand account, which is then locked into writing with a signature affirming the truth of the information, and acknowledged by a notary to prove that the witness is the person signing the statement. Due process for the accused requires the right to confront their accuser in an on-the-record hearing, to present a defense to the charges, and to confront or question, the factual narrative presented by their accuser.

Affidavits of complaint are public information, therefore, anyone may review any complaint filed. If you've already filed a complaint and have been directed to complete the Affidavit of Complaint form, follow the instructions below to complete and submit the form.

Note for Incidents Involving Children: The guardian or parent of a child under 18 years of age will need to have the child provide their account of the incident. Please be prepared to bring your child/other witnesses to testify at a hearing if the defendant appeals the violation. School attendance is not a valid reason for a central witness to be unavailable.

Contact Us

Animal Services

13800 Manor Road
Baldwin, Maryland 21013

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adoption Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
Noon to 5 p.m.

Redemption Hours

Daily
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Owner Surrender Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
9 a.m. to Noon

Stray Intake Hours

Daily
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fax

410-817-4257

Division Chief

Carrie McCloskey

 

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