Board adopts animal‑control code updates to align with state law; discusses 3‑year license option

The Board adopted text amendments to Chapter 21 of the Caroline County code, changes requested by the sheriff’s office and reviewed by the county attorney that staff said were primarily intended to align local language with current state law. County staff introduced the ordinance update and identified Lieutenant Julie Heffler of animal control as the point person for technical questions.

During the public hearing and board discussion, supervisors asked whether pet licenses could move from annual to multi‑year renewals tied to rabies vaccination schedules. Lt. Heffler explained that rabies vaccines are initially given at one year and thereafter often cover three‑year intervals, so a county license could be structured to run concurrent with a three‑year rabies shot. "If you did something like a 3‑year, you're gonna have to run that concurrent with the animal's rabies shots," she said; staff noted the treasurer's office would need to implement any change. The Board discussed potential administrative adjustments (online sales or alternate outlets for license purchases) and adopted the amendments, with the expectation staff would return with any recommended technical language changes if the treasurer suggests them.