Berry Valley

Pet Owners

We love pets too!

Most of us have a pet. A dog, cat, bird, or some other friend that has been with us through thick and thin. We understand them, and we put up with them.

The issue is pets urinating and defecating on private lots and common areas. We all understand that pets need somewhere to relieve themselves. Cats can use a litter pan indoors, however, most dogs need to be taken outside. All of us need to understand the laws in Charles County with respect to pets and obey them if only to make our neighborhood a clean, comfortable place to live.

- It is against the law to let your pet be “at large”, or freely roaming without a leash. Freely roaming pets can easily become lost, be hit by cars, or be stolen or injured. They can also make a nuisance of themselves to your neighbors. The county can fine owners of pets known to be at large.

- It is against the law for a pet to urinate on private property without the property owner’s consent.

- It is against the law for a pet to defecate on public or private property (someone’s lot or common areas like the parks). If they do pet owners are bound by law to clean it up.

By letting your pet “go” in public areas and not cleaning it up you subject others to terrible odors and unsanitary conditions. People cannot enjoy the parks if they are fouled with animal refuse. Clean up after your pet, or have them use your own property. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the law.

IF YOU WALK YOUR DOG THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD...BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND CLEAN UP AFTER HIM OR HER!. Some are allowing pets to relieve themselves on the neutral ground, front yard, and in some cases the driveway of other homes.

If it's your yard, it's ok...if it's not your yard....CLEAN IT UP!