Section 18-220 – More Stringent Requirements by Local Governments
Nothing in this part prevents or prohibits any county, municipal corporation, or Baltimore City from imposing stricter possession requirements or banning possession of certain animals.
Section 18-221 – Intergovernmental Cooperation
When prohibiting animals that may also be harmful to indigenous wildlife or agricultural animals under § 18-219 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture.
Section 18-222 – Penalties; Seizure of Contraband Animals
(a) Any person who imports, transports, sells, transfers, breeds, raises, keeps, or possesses any animal which is prohibited under § 18-219 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both. (b) Any animal, whose possession or keeping is prohibited […]
Section 18-217 – Legislative Findings and Declaration
The General Assembly finds and declares that it is in the public interest to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare by strictly regulating in this State the importation, transportation, sale, transfer, breeding, raising, keeping, and possession of certain animals which pose a possibility of the introduction of a disease or pest harmful to humans, […]
Section 18-218 – “Animal” Defined
In this part, “animal” means any nonhuman living creature, whether native to Maryland or not, which is: (1) Wild by nature; and (2) Endowed with sensation and power of voluntary motion.
Section 18-219 – Prohibition on Dangerous Animals
(a) The Secretary may prohibit the importation, selling, trading, purchasing, bartering, breeding, raising, keeping, or possession of any animals found to be dangerous to human health and safety. (b) This section does not apply to: (1) Domestic cats; (2) Domestic dogs; (3) Domestic ferrets; (4) Animals used for agricultural purposes; (5) Animals used for scientific purposes; (6) Animals used for educational purposes; (7) Animals […]