Yes, feeding stray cats is legal in Maryland, but local governments may impose restrictions to address public health, nuisance complaints, or animal welfare concerns. Baltimore City and Montgomery County, for example, have enacted ordinances requiring permits or limiting feeding locations to mitigate conflicts with wildlife management and sanitation standards.
Key Regulations for Feeding Stray Cats in Maryland
- Local Permitting Requirements: Some jurisdictions, such as Baltimore County, mandate permits for feeding stray animals if conducted in public spaces or near residential areas. Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 under county codes.
- Sanitation and Nuisance Provisions: Maryland’s Public Health Code (COMAR 26.04.01) empowers local health departments to prohibit feeding in areas deemed unsanitary or prone to rodent infestations. Failure to comply can trigger cease-and-desist orders.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Anne Arundel County’s 2026 Animal Welfare Ordinance expands enforcement, requiring feeders to maintain clean feeding sites and prevent congregation of more than 12 cats within a 50-foot radius of residential properties.
Feeding stray cats may also intersect with Maryland’s animal cruelty statutes (MD Code, Criminal Law § 10-604), where neglect or improper care during feeding could lead to legal liability. Always verify county-specific rules, as enforcement varies.