// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 PER CHAPTER 410 OF 2017 //
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Animal control unit” has the meaning stated in § 10–617 of this subtitle.
(3) “Animal welfare organization” means a nonprofit organization established to promote animal welfare that has received tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and is registered to do business in the State.
(4) “Fund” means the Animal Abuse Emergency Compensation Fund established under this section.
(5) “GOCCP” means the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.
(b) There is an Animal Abuse Emergency Compensation Fund.
(c) The purpose of the Fund is to assist in paying costs associated with the removal and care of animals impounded under this subtitle.
(d) (1) The Executive Director of GOCCP shall administer the Fund.
(2) The Executive Director shall receive from the Fund each fiscal year the amount, not exceeding $50,000 in a fiscal year, necessary to offset its costs in administering this subtitle.
(e) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f) The Fund consists of:
(1) money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2) interest earnings of the Fund;
(3) fines levied as a result of conviction of an animal abuse crime; and
(4) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(g) The Fund may be used only to defray the reasonable costs incurred by an animal control unit or animal welfare organization in caring for an animal from the time of seizure until the outcome of the criminal case including:
(1) impound;
(2) transportation;
(3) medical care;
(4) food;
(5) routine care; and
(6) sheltering.
(h) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(i) The Fund is subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.