# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 2. Department of Agriculture

### Subtitle 17. Animal Shelters

#### Section 2-1704

(a) On or before January 1, 2017, an animal shelter shall establish and make available to the public on the animal shelter's Web site or in a conspicuous location within the animal shelter's facility:

  (1) A written protocol for reclaiming animals from the animal shelter that includes:

    (i) The minimum holding period for stray animals;

    (ii) The hours of operation during which an animal may be reclaimed by the animal's owner or caregiver;

    (iii) The fees associated with reclaiming an animal; and

    (iv) Any identification or documentation that must be provided to the animal shelter before an animal may be reclaimed; and

  (2) An annual summary of intake and disposition data reported to the Department in accordance with Sec. 2-1602 of this title.

(b) An animal shelter shall follow its written protocol for reclaiming animals.

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