{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-business-regulation-19-701","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Business Regulation § 19–701","heading":"","body":"(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(b) “Animal control unit” has the meaning stated in § 10–617 of the Criminal Law Article.\n(c) (1) “Animal welfare organization” means a nonprofit organization:\n(i) that has tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and\n(ii) whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes.\n(2) “Animal welfare organization” does not include an organization that obtains animals from a breeder or broker in exchange for payment or compensation.\n(d) “Breeder” means a person who breeds or raises dogs or cats to sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer to the public.\n(e) “Broker” means a person who transfers dogs or cats for resale by another person.\n(f) (1) “Retail pet store” means:\n(i) a for–profit establishment that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as household pets; or\n(ii) a broker.\n(2) “Retail pet store” does not include an establishment at which the animals sold at the establishment were born at the establishment.","path":["Article - Business Regulation"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gbr\u0026section=19-701","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:56:23Z","sha256":"b02f4589b7cead0cbb391d0ceed999dc4536802205f15bf099b2c16ca92bbd4b","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-business-regulation-19-607","next":"us-md/md.-code-business-regulation-19-702"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}