Bill > HB563

This bill, titled "Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against," aims to create new protections for animals involved in emergency situations. It repeals a previous prohibition against harming law enforcement animals and instead establishes new laws that specifically prohibit individuals from harassing, interfering with, injuring, or killing an "emergency response animal," which is defined as a dog or horse used by law enforcement, or a search and rescue dog. The bill also clarifies that "serious physical injury" to these animals means damage causing permanent disfigurement, loss of function, or impairment of a body part or organ. Violating these new provisions would result in misdemeanor charges, with penalties varying based on the severity of the offense, ranging from up to one year imprisonment and a $5,000 fine for harassment or interference, up to two years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine if the violation occurs during the commission of another crime, and up to five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for intentionally killing or causing serious physical injury.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0563?ys=2026RS