Prince George’s County Repeals Pit Bull Ban, Waives March Adoption Fees

Prince George’s County officially moved away from a decades-old breed-specific ban when the County Council voted 7-0 on Nov. 18, 2025 to pass the measure identified as CB-97 (also referenced as CB-097-2025), and animal-welfare partners announced a month-long March 2026 effort to waive adoption fees for large pit bull-type dogs at the county shelter. County Executive Aisha Braveboy had not yet signed the bill as of the council action, leaving an administrative step before some provisions take full effect.

The ordinance, billed as the Animal Control Modernization Act, replaces breed-based prohibitions with behavior-based standards and expands leash-law requirements, civil penalties, and permit and registration rules. The new approach broadens the county’s definition of “dangerous dog” to emphasize conduct rather than appearance and requires owners of pit bull-type terriers to register with the county, obtain a special permit and complete mandatory training before adopting or keeping such animals.

County guidance sets a $25 pit-bull permit fee in addition to the standard county dog license fee, and county registration will identify dogs by breed during intake, officials said. David Fisher, Associate Director of the Animal Services Division, described the change as balancing safety and ownership responsibilities: “This legislation allows the County to move forward with a balanced approach that supports responsible pet ownership while maintaining safeguards for residents, pets, and the community.”

Advocates staged a visible push at the council chambers on the final day of the session, wearing purple shirts and urging change after years of shelter strain. Caitrin Conroy, executive director of the Pet Unity Project, said in a press release, “For years, residents have called for fair, effective laws, and this outdated policy has cost our community dearly in reputation and resources, in trust, and in lives. It has strained our animal services system and blocked meaningful progress.”

Advocates and shelter staff point to steep operational consequences under the old ban. According to Maya Fiellin, founding member of the Pet Unity Project, 1,154 dogs were euthanized in 2023 and 742 in 2024 as shelters grappled with overcrowding. Shelters have moved dogs to surrounding counties and rescue partners to avoid euthanasia; The Banner reported one example in which a pit bull terrier mix named Renee left the Prince George’s County animal shelter with a volunteer on her way to a foster home as one of 13 dogs relocated after being marked at risk.

Councilmember Sydney Harrison estimated the county spent about $3 million annually enforcing the ban and said 20,000 to 30,000 pit bulls live in Prince George’s County, figures that helped shape the push for a new policy. In a press release attributed to Burroughs, the statement read in part, “Today marks a monumental step forward for our county. This legislation not only prevents the inhumane euthanasia of countless dogs who pose no threat but also makes our communities safer by strengthening protections for residents against genuinely dangerous dogs. By increasing accountability, raising civil penalties, and expanding both the definition and requirements for classifying a dog as dangerous, we are taking a comprehensive approach to responsible pet ownership. This legislation holds irresponsible dog owners accountable, ensuring that the focus remains on behavior, not breed.”

County Animal Services has warned the shelter is at critical capacity and is urging residents to adopt or foster, particularly larger and senior dogs. The March 2026 waiver for adoption fees on large pit bull-type dogs is intended to mark the shift and move animals into homes; residents seeking permit, registration and training details should consult the county’s animal services guidance and the pit-bull registration resources maintained by county staff.