1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Animal” means a dog or a cat that is kept temporarily or permanently at an animal shelter.
   2. (2) “Animal enrichment” means providing an animal with social contact, mental stimulation, physical activity and other activities that allow the animal to demonstrate species typical behavior and enhanced well-being.
   3. (3) “Animal shelter” or “shelter” means a physical structure that provides temporary or permanent housing for animals and is owned by a local government, or by an organization that counties or municipalities contract with for animal control services, or by an organization that shelters animals and received a grant from the Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program during the previous year.
   4. (4) “Department” means Maryland Department of Agriculture.
   5. (5) “Drop box” means an unattended receptacle where live animals can be placed by the public for later shelter intake.
   6. (6) “Fully clean” means to disinfect an area or an item with chemical agents that kill harmful micro-organisms.
   7. (7) “Primary animal enclosure” means any structure used consistently to restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, crate, cage, kennel, or compartment.
   8. (8) “Responsible individual” means the shelter’s responsible individual as defined by COMAR 15.14.04.06.
   9. (9) “Run” or “dog run” means a dedicated area, either indoors or outdoors, that is enclosed by a fence or gate, where dogs may move about untethered and unleashed.
   10. (10) “Spot clean” means to clean only a stain or spot and generally involves using mild cleaning agents, such as soaps and detergents.
   11. (11) “Transport carrier” means a portable enclosure designed to temporarily contain an animal that is being transported from one location to another.
   12. (12) “Veterinarian” means a veterinarian who is licensed, registered and in good standing with the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Authority: Agriculture Article §2-1701 at seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: April 23, 2018 (45:8 Md. R. 422)