MD: Maryland
Summary: New 2026 law (SB 360/HB 563, effective Oct 1, 2026) creates offenses for harming emergency response animals. Public Safety § 3-526 requires state and local agencies to reimburse adopters' retired K9 vet care, up to $2,500 a year and $10,000 lifetime, backed by the K-9 Compassionate Care Fund. No EMS treatment or retirement limit law found.
Medical & insurance
Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-614. Immunity for emergency aid to animals, covering fire, rescue and police personnel. An immunity shield only. K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026)
Retirement & service limits
None found.
Post retirement care
Md. Code, Public Safety § 3-526.
- (a)(2): a state or local law enforcement agency (or fire and rescue entity) that removes a dog from duty shall reimburse the person who takes the dog under a written agreement for reasonable and necessary vet treatment. This applies to law enforcement dogs taken on or after Oct. 1, 2020, and fire and rescue dogs on or after Oct. 1, 2022. It covers publicly owned dogs licensed under § 2-313, plus fire and rescue dogs.
- (a)(3): usual and customary care only, not care caused by abuse or neglect, verified by receipt. Cap: $2,500 per calendar year and $10,000 over the dog's life.
- (a)(4): state agencies may accept donations, which go to the K-9 Compassionate Care Fund. Local agencies may set up their own donation funds.
- (b), K-9 Compassionate Care Fund: a special, non lapsing fund run by the Department of State Police for retired state law enforcement dogs. Money comes from donations, budget appropriations, interest and other sources. It may pay only for usual and customary vet care plus administration. It's supplemental to, not a replacement for, regular appropriations.
Penalties for harming police animals
Crim. Law § 10-606.1 (new; SB 360 / HB 563, 2026 RS, Ch. 402, eff. Oct 1, 2026). Covers emergency response animals, including police dogs and horses. Harassment or injury: up to 1 year and $5,000. Killing or serious injury: up to 2 years and $10,000. SB 360 enrolled; HB 563 chapter; Fiscal note. Aggravated cruelty under § 10-606 also applies (statute).
Sources
- Public Safety § 3-526: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Statute_Web/gps/3-526.pdf
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/sb/sb0360e.pdf
- Cross state reference: K9 MEDIC state law map (verified Sep 18, 2026)
- Federal backdrop (not state law): 18 U.S.C. § 1368 makes it a crime to harm a federal police animal, up to 10 years if the animal is seriously hurt or killed (Animal Legal & Historical Center).