Bill > HB53

This bill amends Maryland's criminal law regarding the prohibition of certain nondomesticated animals, specifically by adding kangaroos, wallaroos, wallabies, and zebras to the list of animals that cannot be imported, sold, traded, bartered, possessed, bred, or exchanged. The bill also updates the grandfathering clause for individuals who lawfully possessed certain animals before specific dates, now including those specified animals possessed before October 1, 2026, with a notification deadline of December 1, 2026, to local animal control authorities. The bill maintains existing exceptions for licensed research facilities, exhibitors under the federal Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.), those with permits from the Department of Natural Resources, qualifying animal sanctuaries, animal control and law enforcement officers, licensed veterinarians, and individuals traveling through the state for short periods. It also continues to allow circuses with Class C Exhibitor's Licenses to operate under specific conditions. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0053?ys=2026RS