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 or cats only by lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital administered by or under supervision of a licensed veterinarian

Requires testing facilities to use federally-approved alternative test methods (such as computational toxicology, in vitro studies, or high-throughput screening) instead of traditional animal testing when such alternatives are available, with exceptions for biomedical research

Mandates that research and testing facilities take reasonable steps to provide for adoption of dogs and cats no longer needed for research, including establishing private placement processes and partnering with animal rescue organizations

Requires annual reporting to the Secretary of Agriculture by January 31, 2028 and each year thereafter, with testing facilities reporting animal numbers, test methods used, and waivers obtained; research facilities reporting dogs and cats released for adoption

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