PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert residents may soon see changes to animal licensing regulations, with more options for licensing and expanded definitions for some categories of animals.
In changes that were first proposed in April, Calvert County has tightened the language around what qualifies as a domesticated vs. livestock animal, considering the increase of animals like pigs or chickens kept as pets rather than for agricultural purposes. The term “domesticated livestock” will apply to livestock such as equine, goats, poultry, etc., that are kept on non-agricultural property or kept as companions and are not for commercial or production value.
Additionally, the county proposed adding a “fancier’s” license, a special license for people who own many animals. A person must meet the following criteria to qualify for a fancier’s license:
A person who keeps six or more dogs, cats or rabbits (per species, over 6 months old) at a single residence for 30 or more consecutive days—not for breeding, sale or commercial use—can be defined as an animal fancier.
Applies to non-commercial pet ownership.
According to Deputy Director of Animal Services April Coleman, the fancier’s license can help streamline animal ownership licensing because people can get one license per species instead of for each individual animal.
The fancier’s license was previously part of the commercial ownership section in the April draft of changes. Coleman said her team believes that this new license encourages responsible ownership by incentivizing spay/neuter programs, vaccines and microchips.
People will not be required to get a fancier’s license for hunting or agricultural dogs, even if they fit the other criteria. Agricultural cats, or barn cats, don’t require a license at all.
“They just have to be actively used for farming or hunting,” Coleman clarified about the dogs. “We’re not going to nitpick and say they have to be used X amount of times.”
All animal licenses, including the fancier’s license, will have to be renewed annually.
The Board of County Commissioners and Coleman both said they wanted to streamline the process as fast as possible and get software on board to allow people to update licenses online from home. They also hope to find software that sends out reminders to avoid unnecessary fines and fees.
The changes will be available for public comment for the next 30 days.
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Calvert County officials are concerned over licensing of pets, yet they continue to allow automatic weapon target shooting in the ever increasing residential areas in this county not to mention the disrupting noise of hearing shooting for hours at time on the weekends!!! Really! Sounds like cash grab rather concerns over safety!!!
Land of the free huh? Register all your own animals in a govt database. Have the govt require what you can or cant do with them. Then let them inspect, tell you how to raise them. Oh bird flu reported in the area? Big brother comes and requires all flocks within x radius to be culled. No thanks. Taking care of yourself and your family is a danger only to those who want to control your every move and keep you down. Democrats, Republicans doesn’t matter. They all want your stuff and their say. Farming is an act of rebellion. Live free or die
Calvert is becoming Montgomery County fast
This is over reach and a money making scheme! Private property owners should not have a government fee or fine to have domestic pets! What’s next fees for breathing air per square foot? Stop the licensing over kill! Irresponsible pet owners can be fined or have dangerous pets confiscated. Leave everyone else alone.