# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 15. Research Facilities That Use Dogs or Cats

### Subtitle 1

#### Section 15-104

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Animal rescue organization" includes:

    (i) A nonprofit organization incorporated for the purpose of rescuing animals in need and finding permanent adoptive homes for the animals; and

    (ii) A government-operated animal control unit that provides animals for adoption.

  (3) "Scientific research purposes" includes:

    (i) Investigation;

    (ii) Experimentation;

    (iii) Instruction; and

    (iv) Testing.

(b) This section applies to a dog or cat that, in the determination of an attending veterinarian, is suitable for adoption.

(c) A research facility or testing facility located in the State in which dogs or cats are used for scientific research purposes shall take reasonable steps to provide for the adoption of a dog or cat that, in the determination of the research facility or testing facility, is no longer needed for scientific research purposes by:

  (1) Establishing a private placement process to provide for the adoption of a dog or cat;

  (2) Establishing a list of animal rescue organizations that are approved by the research facility or testing facility and are willing to take a dog or cat from the research facility or testing facility; and

  (3) Offering the dog or cat to the animal rescue organizations identified in the list established under item (2) of this subsection if the research facility or testing facility is unable to place the dog or cat through its private placement process.

(d) A research facility or testing facility may enter into a collaborative agreement with an animal rescue organization for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section.

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Md. Code Ann., Agric. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)