Section 21-1004.1 - Cats or dogs left in standing or parked vehicle. - Maryland Statutes

§ 21-1004.1. Cats or dogs left in standing or parked vehicle.
 

(a)  Endangering health of animal prohibited.- A person may not leave a cat or dog unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the cat or dog. 

(b)  Use of reasonable force to remove animal from vehicle.- Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may use reasonable force to remove from a motor vehicle a cat or dog left in the vehicle in violation of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section if the person is: 

(1) A law enforcement officer; 

(2) A public safety employee of the State or of a local governing body; 

(3) An animal control officer under the jurisdiction of the State or a local governing body; 

(4) An officer of a society or association, incorporated under the laws of this State for the prevention of cruelty to animals, authorized to make arrests under the provisions of § 10-609 of the Criminal Law Article; or 

(5) A volunteer or professional of a fire and rescue service. 

(c)  Exceptions.- A person may not use force of any kind to remove from a motor vehicle: 

(1) A dog used by the State or a local governing body for police work while the dog is on duty; or 

(2) A cat or dog in the custody of an animal control officer. 

(d)  Liability.- A person described in subsection (b) of this section may not be held liable for any damages directly resulting from actions taken under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. 
 

[1987, ch. 611; 1988, ch. 296; 2002, ch. 213, § 6.]