Responsibilities of Animal Services include animal adoption and licensing, and the licensing of kennels, catteries, and pet shops. Animal Services hires officers to respond to claims of animal abuse, and dangerous or at-large domesticated animals, and other violations of State and local animal ordinances. Officers also conduct inspections of licensed animal establishments to ensure humane treatment and quality standards (County Code, secs. 142-1 through 142-40, 209-1 through 209-5).
The Department of Emergency Services staffs and maintains the 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, which receives calls, and coordinates local responders to most effectively address emergencies. During disasters, the Department coordinates federal, State and local agencies in response and recovery measures. In addition, the Department is responsible for homeland security operations, and radiological and hazardous material planning and response. The Department also designs and runs hazard exercises to ensure proper County preparation and response, and offers emergency training for County employees and residents on disaster preparation, mitigation, response and recovery (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 14-109 through 14-113; County Code, secs. 34-1 through 34-5).
Appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the County Executive, the Director oversees the Department (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 14-109).
The Deputy State Fire Marshal is appointed by the State Fire Marshal (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-303).
© Copyright Maryland State Archives