MARYLAND (October 1, 2007)—Several new laws regarding animals in the State of Maryland become effective today. The new laws are summarized below.
House Bill 505: Maryland Service Animal Reform Act - "Gretchen's Law"
For the purpose of expanding specific provisions concerning individuals with disabilities to include service animals; repealing provisions requiring individuals accompanied by service animals to display specified identification; requiring specific organizations or agencies that require specified individuals to take specified professional training courses to include a segment concerning the rights of individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by services animals; etc.
Reference: http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb0505.htm
House Bill 1352: Maryland Horse Industry Board - Rescue Stables
Altering specified definitions to authorize the Maryland Horse Industry Board to license, impose fees, and inspect any person that operates a rescue stable.
Reference: http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb1352.htm
House Bill 1433: Department of Agriculture - Animal Health Enforcement
Prohibiting a person from providing false animal health or other false identifying information, reports or documents, or possessing, altering or damaging specific documents or devices pertaining to animal health; authorizing the Department of Agriculture to seek injunctive relief for specific purposes; etc.
Reference: http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb1433.htm
Senate Bill 696: Crimes - Leaving Dogs Outside and Unattended by use of Restraints - Penalties
Criminal Law Section 10-623, Annotated Code of Maryland (2002 Volume and 2006 Supplement)
Prohibiting a person from leaving a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the movement of the dog; that uses a collar that: is made primarily of metal; or is not at least as large as the circumference of the dog's neck plus 1 (one) inch; etc.
Reference: http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/sb0696.htm