MD SB360

Creates new protections for "emergency response animals" including law enforcement dogs, law enforcement horses, and search and rescue dogs trained or directed by state agencies or political subdivisions

Prohibits intentionally harassing, interfering with, injuring, killing, or causing serious physical injury to emergency response animals during lawful performance of duties

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

Provides affirmative defense for defendants who acted reasonably to prevent physical harm from a violation of Maryland's Use of Force statute, and allows defendants to assert the defense of necessity

Effective date of October 1, 2026