2021 Maryland Statutes
Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Title 5 - Limitations, Prohibited Actions, and Immunities
Subtitle 6 - Immunities and Prohibited Actions -- Health and Public Safety
Section 5-614 - Emergency Veterinary Assistance

    (a)    This section applies to:

        (1)    An individual licensed by the State to provide veterinary care, a student of veterinary medicine who works under the responsible direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner as defined by § 2–301(c) of the Agriculture Article, or a veterinary technician registered by the State under § 2–309 of the Agriculture Article;

        (2)    An individual who is licensed by this State to provide medical care;

        (3)    A member of any State, county, municipal, or volunteer fire department, ambulance and rescue squad, or law enforcement agency, or a corporate fire department;

        (4)    A volunteer fire department or ambulance and rescue squad whose members have immunity;

        (5)    A corporation when its fire department personnel are immune under item (3) of this subsection; and

        (6)    An individual employed or designated by a local government as an animal control officer while responding in the individual’s official capacity to a call in the community.

    (b)    A person is not civilly liable for any act or omission in giving any veterinary aid, care, or assistance to an animal where the owner or custodian of the animal is not available to grant permission if:

        (1)    The act or omission is not one of gross negligence;

        (2)    The veterinary aid, care, or assistance is provided without fee or other compensation from the owner or custodian of the animal; and

        (3)    The veterinary aid, care, or assistance is provided:

            (i)    At the scene of an emergency;

            (ii)    In transit to a veterinary facility; or

            (iii)    Through communications with licensed veterinary personnel providing emergency veterinary assistance.