The tragedy of the Frances Scott Key Bridge collapse understandably dominated the last weeks of the 2024 Session. Thanks to a dedicated team of citizens, advocates, organizations, and legislators, we were able to pass several pieces of legislation to promote animal welfare in our state.
We passed a bill to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, bears, and non-human primates in traveling acts and circuses, sending a clear message that Maryland will not support this outdated and cruel form of entertainment.
We were proud to support The Juvenile Law Act with a provision that holds minors accountable if they commit the most violent forms of crimes on animals.
Finally, we passed legislation strengthening Maryland’s Endangered Species Act by codifying best practices to protect species identified as endangered by the State of Maryland.
Maryland Votes for Animals was proud to work with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), The Maryland State Bar Association Animal Law Section (MSBA), The Professional Animal Workers Association of Maryland (PAWS), advocates, and legislators to pass the following bills:
Headed to the Governor’s Desk:
Wild Animals in Traveling Acts SB547/HB379 (Senator Elfreth, Delegate Love) – Bans the use of elephants, big cats, bears, and non-human primates in traveling acts or circuses.
Endangered Species Act SB916/HB345 (Senator Brooks, Delegate Palakovich Carr) – Codifies best practices for protecting species identified as endangered by the State of Maryland.
Juvenile Law Act SB744/HB814 (President Ferguson and Senator Smith, Speaker Jones and Delegate Clippinger) – Includes a critical provision that allows minors, ages 10-12, to be charged with aggravated animal cruelty holding them accountable and eligible to receive services to prevent future occurrences.
Bills That will be Back in 2025:
Ending the confinement of egg-laying hens in cages so small they can’t spread their wings. (SB193/HB357)
Prohibiting the use of animal testing where it isn’t required and ensuring stronger welfare standards for animals used in research. (SB761)
Advancing solutions to address the shortage of affordable housing so that families dealing with housing insecurity can keep their pets. (HB1179)
Combatting cockfighting by restricting the private ownership of large numbers of roosters. (SB1055/HB1030)
Correcting an error in the Maryland Code to ensure that in cases where an individual is accused of animal cruelty to multiple animals that charges can be brought for each animal. (SB17/HB667)
We could not have accomplished this progress for Maryland’s animals without your grassroots support. Your calls, emails, and visits to your legislators sent a powerful message: Animal issues matter to voters! DONATE and make a difference today! Maryland Votes For Animals, Inc. is committed to making Maryland a safer place for animals through political action and humane legislation. Your contribution will provide critical support for our mission and ensure that your voice for animals is heard in the Maryland General Assembly!
We have no paid staff so every dollar that you give goes directly towards our work for animals.