Pit Bull Regulation Raises Concern Over Evictions - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

MARYLAND - Since the State of Maryland deemed pit bulls"inherently dangerous", tension has apparently been building between landlords and pit bull owners. So much so, that the Maryland Attorney General has stepped in.

Under the Court of Appeals' April 26th ruling decision, landlords can be held responsible if a tenant's pit bull or pit bull mix attacked someone or a pet. And now it appears, according to the US Humane Society, an increased number of landlords fearful of litigation are threatening to evict Maryland residents just for owning this type of dog.

David Fitzgerald, executive director of the Wicomico County Humane Society tells WMDT they haven't heard of any instances locally, but they have gotten phone calls from concerned residents, "We've just referred them back to their local attorney or talk to their landlord."

For this reason, Maryland legislators are asking the court to reconsider their decision. Just this week, the attorney general's office issued an opinion, which states the controversial ruling is not yet in effect. "I think it's just a sign that it needs to be reviewed," says Fitzgerald. "It's all in the legal processes, beyond our expertise, so we just listen to the legal experts." And experts say with the ruling suspended for the time being, landlords have no legal basis to evict their tenants who may own pit bulls.

Last month, the joint legislative task force appointed to study this issue discussed the details of a potential legislative fix. We're told the Maryland General Assembly may consider this issue this summer if Governor Martin O'Malley calls a special session. But if that doesn't happen, it would have to wait until January.