County Ends Longstanding Pit Bull Ban, Creates Permit Program

Prince George's County took a major step on November 18, 2025 when the County Council voted unanimously to reverse a nearly 30 year old breed specific ban on pit type dogs. The ordinance replaces the old prohibition with a permit based system that imposes responsibilities on owners while opening pathways for adoption and fostering through county programs.

Under the new law owners of dogs defined by the county as pit type will need to obtain a special permit with an annual fee of $25. Permit requirements include proof of microchipping, compliance with leash and containment standards, vaccination and spay and neuter verification, and agreement to safety inspections or follow up checks. The ordinance also raises certain civil penalties and authorizes pilot programs at the county adoption center to facilitate adoptions and fostering of these animals.

County officials said the previous ban proved difficult to enforce and swept in a large share of dogs under broad language that labeled many animals as pit bull. The county animal services agency previously had to transfer or euthanize many pit type dogs because of the ban. Officials noted the county had spent millions enforcing the prior law, and that the new permit program could reduce euthanasia while allowing residents to adopt and foster animals locally.

For residents the immediate effect is practical. Owners of pit type dogs who previously faced enforced removal or worse can now register their animals, comply with clear requirements, and seek services from the county adoption center. The modest $25 annual fee is intended to cover administrative costs while the inspection and containment standards aim to balance public safety concerns with animal welfare. Prospective adopters and foster families may find new opportunities through the county run pilot programs, potentially reducing the need to transfer animals out of the community.

The decision in Prince George's County reflects a broader, growing reassessment of breed specific policies across jurisdictions that weigh public safety, enforcement costs, and animal welfare. For a diverse county where pet ownership spans many communities, officials say the new approach seeks to provide consistent rules, stronger owner accountability, and more humane outcomes. As the permit program is implemented, residents can expect county guidance on compliance timelines and information about the adoption and foster pilots through the county adoption center.