Cats or dogs left in standing or parked vehicle

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    (a)    A person may not leave a cat or dog unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the cat or dog.

    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may use reasonable force to remove from a motor vehicle a cat or dog left in the vehicle in violation of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section if the person is:

        (1)    A law enforcement officer;

        (2)    A public safety employee of the State or of a local governing body;

        (3)    An animal control officer under the jurisdiction of the State or a local governing body;

        (4)    An officer of a society or association, incorporated under the laws of this State for the prevention of cruelty to animals, authorized to make arrests under the provisions of § 10-609 of the Criminal Law Article; or

        (5)    A volunteer or professional of a fire and rescue service.

    (c)    A person may not use force of any kind to remove from a motor vehicle:

        (1)    A dog used by the State or a local governing body for police work while the dog is on duty; or

        (2)    A cat or dog in the custody of an animal control officer.

    (d)    A person described in subsection (b) of this section may not be held liable for any damages directly resulting from actions taken under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.


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