Attention Summerwood Community Residents,

Some complaints have been submitted about pets roaming the community without a leash

As a friendly reminder, all pet owners in Prince George’s County are required to follow the county’s pet leash laws to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and community members. Failure to comply with these laws may result in fines and other penalties.

Prince George’s County Leash Law Requirements

According to Prince George’s County Code, Section 3-135, the following rules apply:

• All dogs must be leashed when outside of their owner’s property.

• The leash must be no longer than six feet in length and must be held by a responsible person.

• Dogs found roaming off-leash can be impounded by Animal Control, and owners may be subject to fines.

• Pet owners must properly clean up and dispose of their pet’s waste in designated waste stations or trash bins.

Additionally, Section 3-136 of the County Code states that pets must not create a public nuisance, including excessive barking, aggressive behavior, or causing property damage.

For more details on county pet regulations, visit the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division website or contact Animal Control at (301) 780-7200.

Summerwood Community HOA Pet Regulations

To maintain a clean and safe environment for all residents, the Summerwood Community HOA enforces additional pet-related regulations:

• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times in common areas, including sidewalks, trails, and parks.

• Pet waste must be disposed of properly in the designated pet waste stations or taken home for disposal. Please do not place non-pet waste in these bins to avoid damage and additional costs to the community.  Summerwood has 12 pet waste stations at designated areas around the community. If there are no bags at the pet waste station please notify us at support@summerwoodcommunity.org and we will take care of the pet waste station requirements.

• If you notice a person allowing their pet to utilize your property to address their bathroom requirements and not pick up after them, please send your complaint to support@summerwoodcommunity.org so we can get this issue addressed and resolved.

• Pet owners are responsible for any damage caused by their pets to common areas or private property.

Consequences for Violations

Violations of the county’s leash laws and HOA regulations may result in:

• Fines and citations issued by Prince George’s County Animal Control.

• Additional enforcement actions by the HOA, including community violation notices and potential penalties for repeat offenders.

Community Cooperation

We appreciate all pet owners who responsibly follow these guidelines. Ensuring pets are leashed and cleaning up after them helps keep our neighborhood safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Summerwood Community HOA