This 3 to 5-year-old pit bull mix was found tied to a tree in Brainerd Park in Enfield. 

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

After nearly 27 years, Prince George’s County’s pit bull ban is no more.

On Tuesday, the County Council voted to end a ban on homeowners fostering or owning pit bulls for the first time in nearly three decades, authorities announced.

The bill, CB 097-2025, has been in the works for years and was finally passed on Nov. 18. 

"Just moments ago, the PG County Council voted to repeal the decades-old pit bull ban (CB-97) — a long-awaited win for animal welfare, public safety, and ethical policymaking," the Human Rescue Alliance wrote in a statement.

"This decision is more than a change in law. It’s a commitment to fairness, science-driven policy, and compassion." 

Under the new legislation, which was championed by Chair Edward Burroughs, there will still be strict law in place for dog owners, including leash laws and certain foster requirements.

"(This is) shaped by years of collaboration between residents, advocates, and community leaders," officials at the Pet Unity Project said. "We are deeply proud to have led this effort." 

"For years, we’ve listened to residents, uplifted community stories, partnered with volunteers and local leaders, and pushed for fair, effective, evidence-based laws that keep families together and make our neighborhoods safer." 

According to officials, the legislation "strengthens leash laws, increases accountability for dangerous dogs, updates outdated definitions, improves public safety, and launches a pilot foster/adoption program for the dogs who were once banned. It is a modern, compassionate, community-centered path forward." 

The Humane Rescue Alliance said that the decision in Prince George's County will be beneficial for: 

  • Animals: "It ends decades of discrimination against loving, adoptable dogs who deserve to be judged by their behavior, not their appearance."

  • Communities: "It allows families to stay together and adopt dogs who truly fit their lifestyle — without arbitrary restrictions."
  • Shelter workers: "It removes harmful barriers that forced shelters to make heartbreaking decisions and prevented many great dogs from ever getting a chance."
  • Safety: "It empowers the County to focus on responsible ownership and evidence-based approaches that actually make communities safer."

"We are deeply grateful to the advocates, community members, and our partners at the Pet Unity Project, who led this fight for years, and to the Council for choosing compassion and common-sense policy," they said.

"Today, PG County took a stand for equity, safety, and humane treatment for all dogs — and we’re celebrating right alongside you."