The 2023 Session convenes on January 11, 2023 with a new Governor, many new legislators, and some significant changes in legislative committees. After last year’s successful session where we passed
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Four New Laws to Protect Animals Take Effect October 1st!
Cat Declaw Prohibition (SB67/HB22) Senator Cheryl Kagan/Delegate Lorig Charkoudian Maryland becomes the second state to ban this cruel and painful procedure except in medically necessary circumstances that involve the health of
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Maryland Votes for Animals Releases 2019-2022 Legislative Scorecard
Maryland’s legislators demonstrated a strong commitment to animal welfare by passing significant pieces of legislation to protect companion animals, farm animals, and selected species of wildlife in Maryland.
Continue readingGovernor Hogan Signs Four Animals Bills!
‘A Legacy Year’ for Animal Welfare Laws in Annapolis, Advocates Say
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Gimme Five! Five Animal Bills Pass The Maryland General Assembly in 2022
Five Animal Bills Pass the Maryland General Assembly in 2022 Thanks to YOU, our dedicated team of advocates, organizations, and legislators, 2022 was a HISTORIC year for animals in Maryland!
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Don’t open our whole state for Sunday hunting!
OPPOSE: Sunday Hunting and Archery Hunting Safety Zones – Statewide Authorization and Establishment- HB 1279 This bill would open ALL counties in Maryland to Sunday hunting by authorizing the Department
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We need protections for people and pets facing eviction!
This bill creates a process that ensures pet owners are informed about their rights and responsibilities regarding their pets in the event of an eviction. Landlords would be required to provide
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Tell the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission: Do NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!
An alarming number of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a
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Maryland taxpayers and shelters should not have to pay the costs of caring for animals seized in cruelty cases!
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
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Let’s Create an Incentive for Landlords to Accept Pets!
This bill would provide a tax credit for landlords who adopt pet-friendly leasing policies. While landlords would be able to impose restrictions on the number of companion animals residing with
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We Need You Again! Tell Your Senators to Vote YES on SB 67 this Tuesday!!
SB67, sponsored by Senator Kagan, has been voted favorably out of committee with a strong 10-1 vote. The bill now heads to the full Senate, which will vote on the
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Let’s Make Maryland a State that Says NO to Wildlife Trafficking!
While Federal law already prohibits interstate trade of wildlife products, it is still legal intrastate, providing a loophole for selling products such as ivory, rhino horn, or giraffe parts within Maryland.
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Let’s Stop Declawing Cats in Maryland!
Declawing, a euphemistic term for de-knuckling, is the surgical removal of the top knuckles of a cat’s toes on its paws. It is painful, often crippling, and permanently alters a
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Protect unattended dogs left outside in extreme weather and heat!!
SB 44/HB 16 requires that dogs left unattended in extreme weather and heat have shelter that meets some clear, minimal standards.
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MD SPCA Honors Lisa Radov with William Woodward Award
MD SPCA Honors Lisa Radov with William Woodward Award The Maryland SPCA is proud to announce that animal advocate Lisa Radov has won our William Woodward Award. Her advocacy has
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The Maryland General Assembly Session Opens on January 12, 2022
The 2022 Legislative Session will be a hybrid. Unlike last year’s totally virtual format, buildings will be open to the public, with virtual committee hearings in the House for the
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October 1st Means New Laws to Protect Animals in Maryland!
-Banning Balloon Releases (SB 716/ HB 391) sponsored by Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Wayne Hartman prohibits organizing or participating in a mass balloon release. This bill, which would
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Maryland Joins States Banning Banning Wildlife Killing Contests
As of July 1st, Wildlife Killing Contests simply for prizes or money are prohibited in Maryland. Kudos to The Humane Society of the United States for conducting investigations into these
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Maryland’s Unfinished Agenda for Animals Advances in 2021!
The 2021 Session was historic as it was conducted in a virtual format. While the halls of Annapolis legislative chambers were quiet except for legislators and their staff, the usual
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Stop the Flow of Dogs & Cats from Puppy Mills into Maryland! SB 103 Passed in the Senate but Needs Your Help in the House!
Maryland passed historic legislation in 2018 becoming the second state to ban the sale of puppies and kittens in Maryland pet stores, with the intention of closing the door to
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