Bill > SB537

This bill expands existing Maryland law regarding the treatment of animals used in research to include both research and testing facilities, establishing new requirements for the adoption and reporting of dogs and cats used in scientific settings. The bill defines research facilities as those using live animals for research, education, or experimentation, and testing facilities as entities using animals to test chemical substances, ingredients, drugs, vaccines, products, or product formulations. Under the new provisions, these facilities must take reasonable steps to provide adoption opportunities for animals no longer needed for research, including establishing private placement processes and creating lists of approved animal rescue organizations. Additionally, research and testing facilities must submit annual reports to the Department of Agriculture by January 31st, detailing the number of dogs and cats owned, used, and released to rescue organizations. Schools and higher education institutions using animals for research must also report the results of any departmental inspections to the General Assembly by December 31st each year. The bill establishes financial penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $1,000 for a first offense to $5,000 for subsequent offenses, and requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt regulations ensuring the humane treatment of research animals consistent with the federal Animal Welfare Act. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0537?ys=2025RS