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Maryland Code, Health-General § 18-316

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual immediately shall report to the local police or sheriff if the individual:

(i) Knows that a dog, cat, or other warm blooded animal has bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed an individual to a possible rabies infection; or

(ii) Suspects that an animal has rabies.

(2) In Frederick County, the individual shall report to the animal control center of Frederick County.

(b) On receipt of a report under this section, the police, sheriff, or animal control center staff shall:

(1) Notify the health officer for the county where the report is made; and

(2) Enforce all orders of the health officer and the public health veterinarian.

(c) If the public health veterinarian or the local health officer issues an order to surrender an animal that is suspected of having rabies, a person may not hide or secret the animal:

(1) In the custody of the person; or

(2) In the custody or with the cooperation of any other person.

(d) A person who fails or refuses to comply with any provision of this section or any order issued under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Health-General § 18-316 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/health-general/md-code-health-gen-sect-18-316/

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