
Maryland
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Maryland
Overall Rank: #28 (Middle Tier)
- +Wide range of care standards/requirements including food, water, shelter, care, and space
- +Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty, and have immunity for doing so
- -No provisions for pre-conviction forfeiture of abused animals
- -No felony provisions for negligent or reckless animal neglect or abandonment
- -Social service professionals are not required to report suspected animal cruelty

Animal Protection Laws of Maryland
The Animal Protection Laws of Maryland compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Maryland with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
Active Cases
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban

Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
Recent Victories

Cat Declawing Ban (Maryland)

Prosecution for Maryland Dog Freezing to Death

Challenging the Treatment of Captive Animals at Deer Haven Mini Zoo

Ending Cownose Ray Killing Contests (Maryland)
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws