WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES LEGISLATION TARGETING KENNEL OWNERS

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD  - In a move that has sparked concern among local business owners, the Wicomico County Council has passed Legislative Bill 2025-01, imposing restrictive and impractical regulations on kennel operations across the county.

This reactive and short-sighted legislation threatens the viability of existing kennels and creates unnecessary obstacles for small business owners.

The most controversial provision of the bill requires that, within three years, all kennel facilities ensure their dog runs are located no less than 1,000 feet from an existing residential dwelling on another parcel.

This excessive and arbitrary requirement effectively renders every current kennel in the county noncompliant, forcing costly relocations or potential closures.

"This legislation is a blatant attack on responsible kennel owners who have operated in good faith for years," said Julie Giordano, County Executive.  "It is an anti-business, knee-jerk reaction that disregards the economic and practical realities of running a kennel. I will be vetoing the bill."

The Council's decision to pass this measure without considering its devastating consequences is a setback for local businesses and sets a troubling precedent for future regulations.

Kennel owners are being urged to voice their concerns at the upcoming County Council meeting:

• February 18, 2025
• 10:00 AM
• County Council Chambers Room 301
• 125 North Division Street
• Salisbury, MD 21801

Business owners and community members who believe in fair and reasonable governance are encouraged to attend and demand accountability from their elected officials.

For further information or to obtain a copy of Legislative Bill 2025-01, please contact the office of the County Executive.

Source: Wicomico County Executive's Office