MD SB423

Prohibits research and testing facilities from using dogs or cats that have undergone devocalization surgery and bans facilities from performing such surgeries; requires euthanasia of dogs and cats to follow American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines under veterinarian supervision

Requires testing facilities to use federally-approved alternative test methods (such as in vitro studies, computational toxicology, and high-throughput screening) instead of traditional animal testing when available, with an exemption for medical research

Mandates that research and testing facilities establish adoption programs for dogs and cats no longer needed for scientific purposes, including maintaining lists of approved animal rescue organizations

Requires annual reporting to the Secretary by December 1, starting in 2028, detailing animal numbers, species used, test methods employed, and dogs/cats released for adoption; reports are exempt from public disclosure but aggregated anonymized data must be posted online

Establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for first violations and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations; effective date October 1, 2026