(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.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 21 - Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking
Section 21-1001 - Stopping, Standing, or Parking Outside of Business or Residential Districts
Section 21-1003 - Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited in Specified Places
Section 21-1003.1 - Residential Parking Permits
Section 21-1004 - Additional Parking Regulations
Section 21-1004.1 - Cats or Dogs Left in Standing or Parked Vehicle
Section 21-1005 - Reservation of Parking Space for Person Confined to Wheelchair
Section 21-1006 - Parking Lot Spaces for Individuals With Disabilities
Section 21-1007 - Unobstructed Entrances for Individuals With Disabilities
Section 21-1008 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
Section 21-1009 - Charles County
Section 21-1010 - Parking Commercial Vehicles in Residential Areas in Prince George's County