Humane State Rankings 2018
Humane State Rankings 2018Maryland passed historic legislation in 2018 and moved up one spot to number 14, tied with Rhode Island, Florida, and New Hampshire, in the annual Humane State Rankings by the Humane Society of the United States. Maryland joins California in becoming the second state to stop the flow of dogs and cats into Maryland from the cruel puppy mill industry by banning pet stores from selling cats and dogs. After four years of advocacy, Maryland became the 7th state to pass the Beagle Bill encouraging the adoption of dogs and cats after they have been used in research. Maryland also passed a law authorizing courts, as a condition of sentencing, to impose penalties on animal abusers convicted of certain forms of animal cruelty from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.
Maryland General Assembly convenes on January 9, 2019. We look forward to working with legislators – and you – to continue our progress for improving the lives of Maryland’s animals. Mark your calendars for Humane Lobby Day, devoted to animal advocacy, on February 12, 2019. Details to follow. Stay tuned for our 2019 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session Preview coming next week!