In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Animal rescue organization” has the meaning stated in § 15–101 of the Agriculture Article. “Animal shelter” has the meaning stated in § 2–1701 of the Agriculture Article. “Pet” means a domesticated dog or cat.

This subtitle applies to an action for possession of real property filed on or after November 1, 2023, by: A landlord against a tenant under § 8–401, § 8–402, or § 8–402.1 of this article; or A complainant against a person holding possession of real property under § 14–132 of this title.

By October 1, 2023, the Department of Agriculture shall develop and publish on its website a fact sheet that provides information about how a person may care for and protect any pets in the event the person is evicted or loses possession of the person’s property. The Department of Agriculture shall: Include in the fact sheet information on State and local resources, including animal shelters and animal rescue organizations; and Update the fact sheet on a regular basis.

On or after November 1, 2023, at the execution of a lease, the landlord shall include with the lease a link to the fact sheet published on the Department of Agriculture’s website under § 14–803 of this subtitle if the landlord knows that a tenant possesses a pet.

Beginning November 1, 2023, the Maryland Judiciary shall include a link to the fact sheet published on the Department of Agriculture’s website under § 14–803 of this subtitle with any warrant issued under § 8–401(f)(1)(i), § 8–402(b)(2)(i) or (v), or § 8–402.1(b) of this article or § 14–132(f) or (i) of this title.

Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, when possession of real property is delivered to a landlord or complainant following an action under § 8–401, § 8–402, or § 8–402.1 of this article or § 14–132 of this title, the sheriff, constable, or other official shall: Immediately inspect the premises for any pet; and Provide to the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property any pet on the premises belonging to the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property. If the tenant or person who was holding possession of real property is not present at the time the real property is delivered to a landlord or complainant, the sheriff, constable, or other official shall: Contact an animal shelter or animal rescue organization to take custody of the pet; Provide the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property with the name and contact information of the animal shelter or animal rescue organization where the pet is taken; and Provide the animal shelter or animal rescue organization with the name and contact information, including the telephone number if available, of the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property from which the pet was taken. A person may not remove a pet from real property delivered to a landlord or complainant following an action under § 8–401, § 8–402, or § 8–402.1 of this article or § 14–132 of this title and leave the pet on public property or a public right–of–way.