(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Animal control unit” has the meaning stated in § 10–617 of the Criminal Law Article.
(c) (1) “Animal welfare organization” means a nonprofit organization:
(i) that has tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and
(ii) whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes.
(2) “Animal welfare organization” does not include an organization that obtains animals from a breeder or broker in exchange for payment or compensation.
(d) “Breeder” means a person who breeds or raises dogs to sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer to the public.
(e) “Broker” means a person who transfers dogs for resale by another person.
(f) “Offer for sale” includes to sell, offer to transfer, offer for adoption, advertise for the sale, barter, auction, give away, or otherwise dispose of a domestic animal.
(g) “Retail pet store” means a for–profit establishment open to the public that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as household pets.