# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 5. Limitations, Prohibited Actions, and Immunities

### Subtitle 6. Immunities and Prohibited Actions -- Health and Public Safety

#### Section 5-634.1

(a)

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

  (2) "Person" includes the State, any county, municipal corporation or other political subdivision of the State, or any of their units, or an individual, a receiver, a trustee, a guardian, an executor, an administrator, a fiduciary, or a representative of any kind, or any partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation, or other entity.

  (3)

    (i) "Pet item" means any apparently fit tangible pet supply that meets all quality and labeling standards imposed by federal, State, and local laws and regulations even if the item may not be readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, surplus, or other condition.

    (ii) "Pet item" includes apparently fit commercial feed as defined in Sec. 6-101 of the Agriculture Article.

(b) Unless the act or omission amounts to gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct, a person is not civilly liable for any act or omission that affects the nature, age, condition, or packaging of a donated pet item if the person in good faith:

  (1) Donated the pet item for use or distribution by a nonprofit corporation, organization, or association or a unit of State or local government; or

  (2) Dispensed the donated pet item on behalf of a nonprofit corporation, organization, or association or a unit of State or local government.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)