A bill that places liability for the cost of care of an animal seized for cruelty or neglect on the owner of the animal while in the shelter has passed third reading with amendments in the House.

MACo supported HB 362, as Maryland is one of the few states that does not have safeguards in place to protect local animal control agencies and shelters from shouldering the burden of care. The cost of care for these abused and neglected animals accumulates quickly and can be significant.

For more information view HB 362 and the amendments.

Read previous coverage on Conduit Street.