1. (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
2. (b) “Animal control unit” has the meaning stated in § 10-617 of the Criminal Law Article.

3. (c)

   1. (1) “Animal welfare organization” means a nonprofit organization:

      1. (i) that has tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and
      2. (ii) whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes.
   2. (2) “Animal welfare organization” does not include an organization that obtains animals from a breeder or broker in exchange for payment or compensation.
4. (d) “Breeder” means a person who breeds or raises dogs or cats to sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer to the public.
5. (e) “Broker” means a person who transfers dogs or cats for resale by another person.

6. (f)

   1. (1) “Retail pet store” means:

      1. (i) a for-profit establishment that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as household pets; or
      2. (ii) a broker.
   2. (2) “Retail pet store” does not include an establishment at which the animals sold at the establishment were born at the establishment.

Added by Acts 2012, c. 214, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012; Acts 2012, c. 215, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012. Amended by Acts 2016, c. 572, § 1, eff. June 1, 2016; Acts 2016, c. 573, § 1, eff. June 1, 2016; Acts 2017, c. 631, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017; Acts 2018, c. 237, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2020; Acts 2021, c. 448, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021.