MD SB703

Repeals mandatory dog licensing requirements in Caroline County, including the annual July 1 deadline for obtaining licenses, license fees, metal tags, and collar requirements for dogs 6 months and older

Retains authority for County Commissioners to adopt rules and regulations for issuing dog licenses, keeping records, designating authorized sellers, and seizing dogs running at large

Preserves the county's ability to appoint animal control officers with peace officer powers who may sell licenses and seize stray, injured, unlicensed, diseased, or vicious dogs

Maintains provisions allowing the county to provide animal shelters and enter agreements with adjacent counties for shared shelter facilities

Effective date: October 1, 2026