This bill establishes procedures to authorize an officer, agent of a humane society, a police officer, or certain other public official to recover reasonable costs of care from the owner or custodian of a certain seized animal.
Most states already have costs of care laws, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and West Virginia. SB 877/HB 1062 provides relief for animal control agencies and shelters facing fiscal challenges, as well as Maryland taxpayers, who should not be financially responsible for the animals seized in a cruelty case. Additionally, this bill allows for those seized animals, if determined by their owner to be too much of a financial burden, to be adopted into loving homes – instead of waiting months or years – for the case to be decided.
How often do we get to pass legislation that is both compassionate and fiscally responsible? This bill is both. By establishing a uniform system, all parties, including the accused, the animals, and the animal control agencies are protected.
Please contact your legislators and tell them that you SUPPORT SB 877/HB 1062!
Thank you again for being an advocate for Maryland’s animals. Remember, Maryland Votes for Animals, Inc. can only succeed with the help of animal advocates like you. Please consider making a donation to Maryland Votes for Animals at voteanimals.org/donate now, so we can continue fighting for Maryland animals.
With compassion,
Maryland Votes for Animals, Inc.