Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 10 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Part 1
Subtitle 06 - DISEASES
Chapter 10.06.02 - Communicable Diseases - Rabies
Section 10.06.02.13 - Disposition of Animals by Animal Shelters, Pounds, or Veterinarians

Universal Citation: MD Code Reg 10.06.02.13

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024

A. The owner or custodian of an animal who surrenders the animal to an animal shelter, pound, or veterinarian for the purpose of having the animal humanely killed or for the purpose of offering the animal for adoption shall certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that the animal:

(1) If a dog, cat, ferret, or livestock, has not had bite or non-bite contact with an individual within the previous 10 days; or

(2) If a wild animal, has not had bite or non-bite contact with an individual within the previous 30 days.

B. Except as provided in §C of this regulation, if the animal has had bite or non-bite contact with an individual within the time periods specified in §A of this regulation, the animal shelter, pound, or veterinarian shall:

(1) If the animal is a dog, cat, ferret, or livestock, offer the owner or custodian, the option of:
(a) Quarantining the animal for 10 calendar days at the owner's or custodian's expense; or

(b) Humanely killing the animal and submitting the head for rabies testing; or

(2) If the animal is a wild animal, immediately humanely kill the animal and submit its head for rabies testing.

C. The Public Health Veterinarian may waive the requirements of §B of this regulation if it is determined that the public health is not threatened.

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