ShyGirl
Active Member
The Maryland General Assembly adjourned at midnight on April 7 after passing two major animal protection bills and considering several others.
Stronger Penalties for Spectators of Animal Fights
The legislature passed H.B. 719/S.B. 44 to increase penalties for attending illegal dogfights and cockfights. Although Maryland has strong felony penalties for animal fighting and possession of fighting animals, the spectators who fuel this crime currently get away with a slap on the wrist. This legislation is a step in the right direction and will help crack down on this cruel activity.
Preventing Inhumane Euthanasia
The Maryland General Assembly also passed critical legislation to ensure that animal shelters can obtain the drugs needed to sedate and anesthetize animals prior to euthanasia. H.B. 1481 was introduced in response to a recent regulatory glitch that currently prevents shelters from obtaining these drugs. A huge swell of support from the public and lawmakers helped to propel this through the legislature.
Other Animal Protection Measures Considered
In addition to these two victories, two other animal protection bills passed one chamber before the session ended. Legislation to allow the inclusion of pets and service animals in protective orders passed the Senate, and a bill to prohibit the transportation of dogs in the backs of pickup trucks passed the House.
The Maryland General Assembly also considered legislation to require that garments containing real fur be labeled, to increase penalties for animal cruelty, to prohibit the annual Maryland bear hunt, to require the spay/neuter of companion animals, and to prohibit the force feeding of birds for the production of foie gras.
Stronger Penalties for Spectators of Animal Fights
The legislature passed H.B. 719/S.B. 44 to increase penalties for attending illegal dogfights and cockfights. Although Maryland has strong felony penalties for animal fighting and possession of fighting animals, the spectators who fuel this crime currently get away with a slap on the wrist. This legislation is a step in the right direction and will help crack down on this cruel activity.
Preventing Inhumane Euthanasia
The Maryland General Assembly also passed critical legislation to ensure that animal shelters can obtain the drugs needed to sedate and anesthetize animals prior to euthanasia. H.B. 1481 was introduced in response to a recent regulatory glitch that currently prevents shelters from obtaining these drugs. A huge swell of support from the public and lawmakers helped to propel this through the legislature.
Other Animal Protection Measures Considered
In addition to these two victories, two other animal protection bills passed one chamber before the session ended. Legislation to allow the inclusion of pets and service animals in protective orders passed the Senate, and a bill to prohibit the transportation of dogs in the backs of pickup trucks passed the House.
The Maryland General Assembly also considered legislation to require that garments containing real fur be labeled, to increase penalties for animal cruelty, to prohibit the annual Maryland bear hunt, to require the spay/neuter of companion animals, and to prohibit the force feeding of birds for the production of foie gras.
