The responsible individual shall ensure that the shelter is a safe, structurally sound, and sanitary building that meets the following standards:
- A. A shelter may not have any structural defects that could cause injury to animals or staff members handling animals;
- B. Surfaces in animal areas, such as floors, junctions, walls, doors, shall be made of nonporous material that can easily be disinfected;
- C. Ceilings shall be kept in good condition without leaks;
- D. All areas where animals are present shall have adequate ventilation and be kept between 60—80 degrees F;
- E. By July 1, 2019, all rooms where animals are housed shall have a fire alarm system that will alert authorities of fire or heavy smoke;
- F. A shelter shall have written policies and protocols in place to maintain adequate capacity to prevent and eliminate overcrowding; and
- G. Upon request, a shelter shall allow the Department to inspect the premises for compliance with this chapter.
Authority: Agriculture Article §2-1701 at seq., Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: April 23, 2018 (45:8 Md. R. 422)