§ 21–1004.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1004.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1004.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not leave a cat or dog unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the cat or dog.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may use reasonable force to remove from a motor vehicle a cat or dog left in the vehicle in violation of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section if the person is:
(1)
A law enforcement officer;
(2)
A public safety employee of the State or of a local governing body;
(3)
An animal control officer under the jurisdiction of the State or a local governing body;
(4)
An officer of a society or association, incorporated under the laws of this State for the prevention of cruelty to animals, authorized to make arrests under the provisions of § 10-609 of the Criminal Law Article; or
(5)
A volunteer or professional of a fire and rescue service.
(c)
A person may not use force of any kind to remove from a motor vehicle:
(1)
A dog used by the State or a local governing body for police work while the dog is on duty; or
(2)
A cat or dog in the custody of an animal control officer.
(d)
A person described in subsection (b) of this section may not be held liable for any damages directly resulting from actions taken under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.