The Prince George's County Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is hereby created to promote and enhance the welfare of animals and serve as a link between the animal welfare community and local government.

The Committee shall have the power and duty to: Advise the County Executive and County Council on issues and recommendations for animal rescue; animal fostering; humane and ecologically sound control of the animal population; animal bite prevention; education on zoonotic disease transmission; and education of the public on safely coexisting with wildlife. Advise the County Executive and County Council on best practices for animal shelters. Identify successful best practices from animal shelters in other jurisdictions. Review current practices for recruiting and training volunteers for the County animal shelter and make recommendations for improvements. Advise the County Executive and County Council regarding the effect of animal welfare operations on potential laws, policies, rules and regulations aimed at improving the treatment and care of animals. Serve as a facilitator of communication and understanding between the animal welfare community, the County government, and the community at large. Advise the County government on the implementation of state and local initiatives pertaining to, but not limited to, sheltering, keeping, adoption, fostering, rescue, volunteerism, partnership, nonprofits, and charitable giving. Promote public awareness and education regarding responsible pet ownership and animal welfare issues. Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance animal welfare programs. Report annually to the County Executive and County Council on the status of animal welfare in the County.

The Committee shall be composed of eleven members nominated by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The eleven members shall represent each of the following: One member serving as a volunteer from the Prince George's County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center; One member being a licensed veterinarian with pet and wildlife experience; One member of the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County; One member experienced in animal fostering; One member representing an organization providing services for community cats; One member of an animal rescue organization working within the County; One member with experience in animal care and behavior, outreach, training, to provide guidance in recruiting, training and retaining of shelter volunteers; One member experienced in animal or pet behavior; One public member who lives or works in the County; One member of a Community Advocacy Group; and One member who is an expert in breeding. The term of office for each member shall be three years; however, the terms of the initial appointments shall be staggered with five members appointed to three-year terms, three members appointed to two-year terms, and three members appointed to one-year terms. After an appointment to fill a vacancy before a term expires, the successor serves the rest of the unexpired term. The Committee members must elect annually a Chair and Vice Chair from among its voting members. Staff support shall be provided by the County Council.

The committee shall meet in public session on call of the Chair. Appropriate notice must be given to the community per the State of Maryland's Open Meetings Act and county public meeting guidelines. The Committee must meet as often as necessary to perform and exercise its duties, but not less than 6 prescheduled times each year. The public meetings may be held virtually or in person. The Chair will conduct these meetings in an atmosphere or collaboration with the committee members and the public.

The Committee shall advise the County Executive and County Council on issues of interest to the animal welfare populace, both on the Committee's own initiative and upon the request of either branch of County government. Further, by July 1 each year, the Committee must submit to the County Executive and the County Council an annual report on its functions, activities, accomplishments, plans and objectives. The report should also include any recommendations or requests it deems appropriate to further the public purpose of the Committee.