This bill establishes limited immunity from civil liability for individuals who donate pet items or distribute donated pet items. It also authorizes the State Department of Agriculture to inspect donated commercial feed and to establish procedures for the proper handling of such feed.
This bill could be described as the “assume good intentions” bill for pet item donations. It specifically provides that, unless an act or omission rises to the level of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct, a person is not civilly liable for any act or omission affecting the nature, age, condition, or packaging of a donated pet item, provided the person acted in good faith and either:
- Donated the pet item for use or distribution by a nonprofit corporation, organization, or association, or by a unit of state or local government; or
- Dispensed the donated pet item on behalf of a nonprofit corporation, organization, or association, or a unit of state or local government.
Donated pet items are essential in supplementing the budgets of nonprofits, organizations, and state or locally operated animal shelters. These entities rely heavily on the kindness and generosity of individuals who donate to support the animals in their care. This bill helps ensure that well-intentioned donors are not discouraged by unforeseen legal consequences.
SB 314 preserves the positive relationship between donors and recipient organizations by providing reassurance that individuals acting without malicious intent—and simply trying to do the right thing—will not be unfairly penalized for their generosity.
Please contact your legislators and ask them to SUPPORT SB 314!
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.