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Animal Control Authority

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Animal Control Authority

The Animal Control Authority consists of five (5) members, all of whom are residents of the County. Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland and governed by certain County ordinances and policies, including without limitation the Boards and Commissions Policy and Ethics Ordinance.

The Animal Control Authority is made up of one member who is a veterinarian, one member of the agricultural community, one member of the legal profession, one member who is a sworn officer, and one member from the public at large. If the Animal Control Authority is unable to find a veterinarian, the Board of County Commissioners may appoint a veterinary technician who is registered in the State.

The Animal Control Authority hears and decides cases referred to them concerning the enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance.  The Board meets once a month on Thursday evening (6:00 p.m.) at the Washington County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Room 255, Hagerstown, MD  21740.   For specific hearing dates, see the Animal Control Authority Schedule below, visit the Division of Permits & Inspections at 747 Northern Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742 or call 240-313-2460.

The Humane Society of Washington County enforces the Animal Control Ordinance by issuing citations, conducting investigations, impoundments, etc.  Any questions regarding these matters should be directed to the Humane Society by calling 301-733-2060. For emergency situations, please contact their field services office at 240-707-3082.

Staff support to the Animal Control Authority is Paula Cauffman. She can be reached at 240-313-2462 or by email.

If you would like to serve as a board member, click here to review the various boards and submit an application.

Animal Control Authority Board Members

Members
Member Category
Term Expires
Travis Poole, Esq.
Attorney Representative (4th Term)
11/30/25
Lt. Mark Price
Sworn Officer – Sheriff’s Office (1st Term)
9/30/24
Edward Wurmb, IV
Veterinary Representative (2nd Term)
11/30/25
Ashely Schweinhart
First Alternate Member (1st Term)
6/30/24
Veronica Furukawa
Second Alternate Member (1st Term)
11/30/26
Daniel Mackley
Public At Large (2nd Term)
2/28/25
Christy Hemshrodt
Public at Large (1st Term)
11/30/26
Becky Gander
Chief of Permitting
N/A
Paula Cauffman
Secretary
N/A

Animal Control Authority 2024 Schedule

Cut-Off DateHearing Date
January 4 January 18
February 1 February 15
March 7 March 21
April 4 April 18
May 2 May 16
June 6 June 20
July 4 July 18
August 1 August 15
September 5 September 19
October 3 October 17
November 7 November 21
December 5 December 19
 
  • Hearing Location:  100 West Washington Street, Room 2000, Second Floor
  • Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Permits & Inspections

Washington County Administrative Annex

747 Northern Ave
Hagerstown, MD 21742

Phone: 240-313-2460
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 240-313-2461

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Permit Processing Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 7:30 am. – 3:00 p.m.

TTY users may call any government office through the Maryland Relay Service 1-800-735-2258

Liberal Leave is in effective for Washington County Government

LIBERAL LEAVE IS IN EFFECT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Liberal leave is in effect for all non-essential personal on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, until noon. Essential personnel are expected to fulfill their duties as usual.

The starting time for today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting will be reevaluated at 9:00 am.

For those required to travel, exercise caution on the roadways. If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is completely cleared, drive at a reduced speed, practice caution, and avoid crowding or passing plows.
 
We’ll keep the public informed of any changes. Stay updated by monitoring Washington County Government’s website and social media channels for the latest information. Your safety is our priority!