Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | January 23, 2026 | Dog Bite
On November 18, 2025, Prince George’s County, Maryland voted unanimously to reverse its nearly 30-year ban on pit bull ownership, ending one of the strictest breed-specific restrictions in the state.
Although court documents acknowledged for years that the pit bull ban was often not directly enforced, the ordinance still made it illegal for many county residents to own pit bulls and violations could result in serious penalties.
orfWith the ban now lifted, the county has introduced new requirements and stricter penalties for pit bull ownership. This change raises important questions about public safety, legal responsibility, and what rights victims have after a dog bite.
Background: Prince George’s County Pit Bull Ban (1997–2025)
The Prince George’s County pit bull ban was enacted in 1996 and took effect in 1997. Under the law, it was generally unlawful for a county resident to own a pit bull born after the cutoff date.
Pit bulls born before February 3, 1997, required written proof of ownership and were subject to strict restraint rules.
If a violation occurred, the owner could face consequences including:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to six months of imprisonment
How Many Pit Bulls Are in Prince George’s County?
According to the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment, approximately 33% of dogs in the county may be classifiable as pit bulls, with estimates of 20,000–30,000 pit bulls across the county.
Because many dogs may be mixed-breed, shelters and animal control agencies have long faced challenges determining whether a dog meets the legal definition of a “pit bull” under breed-specific laws.
The Former Ban: Which Dog Breeds Were Covered?
Under the former Prince George’s County ordinance, it was illegal to own any dog born after February 7, 1997, classified as:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
Strict Restraint Requirements (Old Law)
Pit bulls born before the cutoff date were required to be:
- Kept inside a building or kennel at all times unless leashed
- If taken outside, restrained by an adult using a secured, unbreakable leash
The New Rules: Pit Bull Ownership Is Legal—But Comes with Requirements
While pit bull ownership is now permitted in Prince George’s County, the new legislation introduces new compliance rules, expands dangerous animal definitions, and increases civil penalties.
Permit Requirement for Pit Bull Owners
Under the updated rules, pit bull owners in Prince George’s County must obtain a special permit with a:
- $25 annual fee
To obtain and maintain this permit, owners must provide proof the dog is:
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated
- Spayed/neutered
- In compliance with county leash and containment requirements
Inspections and Compliance Checks
Owners must also agree to:
- Safety inspections and/or follow-up check-ins
Failure to follow requirements may result in civil penalties.
Why the Ban Existed: Public Safety Concerns and Bite Statistics
The pit bull ban was originally implemented to address community safety concerns related to dog attacks and the perceived risk of pit bull-type dogs.
In October 2019, data from the Prince George’s County Health Department reported a 43% reduction in overall dog bites since the ban went into effect in 1997.
As the county transitions away from the ban, it remains important for residents to understand both:
- Their responsibilities as dog owners, and
- Their rights if they’re bitten or attacked
Maryland Dog Bite Law: Breed Doesn’t Change Owner Responsibility
Maryland law does not generally distinguish between dog breeds when it comes to owner obligations and liability.
Even if a county has breed-specific regulations, dog owners can still be held legally responsible if a dog:
- Injures
- Menaces
- Attacks
- Kills
a person.
If you or a loved one is bitten, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Maryland?
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Maryland, you typically have a limited time to act.
In most cases, victims have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim. Waiting too long can weaken evidence, make witnesses harder to locate, and potentially prevent recovery altogether.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident (Important Checklist)
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if the bite looks minor, it can lead to serious infection.
Clean the wound and visit an urgent care or emergency room to ensure proper treatment and documentation.
2. Identify the Dog and the Owner
Try to collect as much information as possible, including:
About the dog:
- Breed (if known)
- Size and appearance
- Vaccination status (especially rabies)
About the owner:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number / contact info
3. Report the Incident
Notify both:
- Local animal control
- Law enforcement (police)
Official reports are often critical pieces of evidence in a dog bite case.
4. Document Everything You Can
Strong documentation can make a major difference in a claim.
Gather:
- Photos of injuries (immediately and over time)
- Photos of the scene
- Torn clothing or damaged items
- A written timeline of what happened
5. Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw the attack or knows the dog’s history, get their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Relationship to the dog/owner (neighbor, visitor, etc.)
6. Avoid Discussing Fault or Making Agreements
Avoid statements that could be used against you later, such as:
- Apologizing
- Taking blame
- Agreeing to “handle it privately”
Even casual conversations can affect your case.
7. Don’t Deal With the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance adjusters often reach out quickly and may ask to “hear your side.”
Your statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim—so it’s best not to communicate alone before speaking with an attorney.
8. Contact Alpert Schreyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love was injured in a dog attack, the team at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers can help you explore your legal options.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys have represented dog bite victims throughout Maryland with proven success, and we’re ready to fight for you.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George’s County, and its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7