MD HB1551

Establishes the Dog Breeder Accountability Fund, a special nonlapsing fund administered by the Department of Agriculture, with 50% allocated to animal shelters and spay/neuter programs, 30% for administrative expenses, and 20% for education and enforcement

Requires dog breeders to register annually with the Department of Agriculture by July 1, 2028, paying a $150 annual registration fee and providing information including number of breeding females and litters

Mandates breeders obtain puppy birth certificates from the Department beginning July 1, 2029, at a cost of $50 per puppy, submitted within 30 days of each litter's birth

Requires all puppies born on or after July 1, 2030 to be microchipped with ISO-compliant devices, with microchip numbers recorded on birth certificates before sale or transfer

Imposes administrative penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, with each unreported litter counting as a separate violation, and requires annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly beginning October 1, 2029