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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.
- Animal Control Ordinance (Revision 6, adopted April 5, 2022)
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 Date | Hearing 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
