Dog got loose and got into neighbor’s yard.

Question

Animal control claims that they have the right to fix my dog because they got loose, went across the street and laid down in my neighbor's yard. Animal control said they have the right to fix my dog, before the 72-hour deadline Please let me know what I can do.

Maryland, USA

Answer

Municipalities in Maryland have varying laws regarding spaying and neutering so it is important to check out the law in your locality. Some municipalities in Maryland provide that impounded dogs and cats shall not be released to their “parents” unless they are spayed or neutered, although it is common for these laws to state that the spaying/neutering requirement is applicable only after a dog or cat is impounded more than once.
Spaying and neutering not only help to control the overpopulation of dogs and cats (and other species) but can also provide health benefits.
Failure of an animal’s “parent” to retrieve their impounded animal in a timely manner, including complying with applicable laws, may result in the “parent” losing rights to the animal.

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By |2026-07-17T13:53:45-04:00June 3rd, 2026|

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