Bill > S2187

This bill aims to protect abandoned animals found in vacant properties. The key provisions are: 1. Landlords, property owners, or their designees must inspect properties within 3 days of the property being vacated due to foreclosure, termination of tenancy, or other tenant removal, and notify animal control officers if they find abandoned animals. 2. Landlords, property owners, or their designees who encounter abandoned animals will not be considered the owners or persons in charge of those animals under the law. 3. Failure to comply with the inspection and notification requirements can result in civil fines of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, with the funds going to the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund. 4. The bill also amends existing law to require officers executing evictions to notify animal control if they encounter abandoned animals on the property.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2187