On January 24, 2024, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in opposition to SB 157- Domestic Animals- Penalties for Abandonment and Microchip Requirements for Dogs. This bill requires dogs to be microchipped prior to adoption and mandates that such procedure is performed by a veterinarian.
All of Maryland’s counties have animal shelters, where the local agencies rescue and adopt out thousands of microchipped dogs every year. These facilities are part of a larger network of shelters and rescue operations that work collaboratively. The loss of even one supporting agency would likely increase − significantly − the costs for the counties, who are already making a substantial effort with these practices, despite the absence of a mandate.
Counties appreciate the elements of the bill that are locally authorizing and seek to promote compliance with best practices for dog owners. However, this mandate on the many nonprofit organizations that work in partnership with counties could pose administrative and cost challenges.
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