# Transportation (GTR)

## Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road

### Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking

#### Section 21-1004.1

(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 Sec. 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.

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