MD HB563

Creates new Section 10-606.1 establishing criminal protections for "emergency response animals," defined as law enforcement dogs, law enforcement horses, and search and rescue dogs working under state or local government direction

Prohibits intentionally harassing, interfering with, injuring, killing, or causing serious physical injury to emergency response animals while they perform their duties

Establishes tiered misdemeanor penalties: up to 1 year/$5,000 for harassment or injury; up to 2 years/$15,000 if committed during another crime; up to 5 years/$10,000 for killing or causing serious physical injury

Removes the existing provision in Section 10-606 that prohibited intentionally inflicting bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on law enforcement animals (except in self-defense), replacing it with the new standalone section

Takes effect October 1, 2026