In addition to the other provisions of this chapter and the
powers granted in § 10-615 of the Criminal Law Article of
the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time, the
following shall apply:
A. If an animal is impounded, yarded, confined without necessary food,
water, proper attention, is subject to cruelty, abuse, or is neglected:
(1)
Animal Control Officers, humane officers, law enforcement officers,
other public officials authorized to protect animals, or any invited
and accompanying veterinarian licensed in the state may enter the
real property where the animal is located and:
(a)
Supply the animal with necessary food, water, and attention;
or
(b)
Remove the animal if removal is necessary for the health of
the animal or to protect it from cruelty.
(2)
A person who enters real property under this section is not
liable because of the entry.
(3)
A person who removes an animal under this section shall notify
the owner, keeper or custodian of the removal and any administrative
remedies that may be available to the owner or custodian.
(4)
If an administrative remedy is not available, the owner or custodian
may file a petition for the return of the animal within 10 days after
the removal.
B. Animal Control Officers are authorized to seize and impound at-large,
stray, abandoned animals and prohibited animals.
C. If the Animal Control Officer determines that an animal has threatened,
may continue to present a threat, or continues to present a threat
to the public safety and welfare, the Animal Control Officer may:
(1)
Seize and impound the animal if the animal is on public property
or property other than the owner's.
(2)
As permitted by law, enter real property and seize and impound
the animal.
(3)
Obtain a search warrant or other legal remedy to seize and impound
the animal.
D. Animals seized and impounded for threatening the public's safety
and welfare shall remain impounded at the sheltering facility or other
facility as may be required, pending the outcome of a hearing. The
owner shall be notified of the date, time and place for the scheduled
hearing.
E. If a person has been issued two citations within the past 12 months
for the same offense and the owner, keeper or custodian has failed
to abate the activity, the Animal Control Officer is authorized to
seize and impound the animal pending the outcome of a hearing.