(a) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, when possession of real property is delivered to a landlord or complainant following an action under § 8–401, § 8–402, or § 8–402.1 of this article or § 14–132 of this title, the sheriff, constable, or other official shall: (i) Immediately inspect the premises for any pet; and (ii) Provide to the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property any pet on the premises belonging to the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property. (2) If the tenant or person who was holding possession of real property is not present at the time the real property is delivered to a landlord or complainant, the sheriff, constable, or other official shall: (i) Contact an animal shelter or animal rescue organization to take custody of the pet; (ii) Provide the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property with the name and contact information of the animal shelter or animal rescue organization where the pet is taken; and (iii) Provide the animal shelter or animal rescue organization with the name and contact information, including the telephone number if available, of the tenant or person who was he pet is taken; and (iii) Provide the animal shelter or animal rescue organization with the name and contact information, including the telephone number if available, of the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property from which the pet was taken. (b) A person may not remove a pet from real property delivered to a landlord or complainant following an action under § 8–401, § 8–402, or § 8–402.1 of this article or § 14–132 of this title and leave the pet on public property or a public right–of–way.
Maryland Legal Code