Sec. 10.06.01.25. Control of Communicable Diseases in Pet Stores

A. A pet store shall utilize procedures to ensure prevention and control of diseases common to and shared among humans and animals.

B. The Department recommends that pet stores utilize the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, the Compendium of Measures To Control Chlamydophila psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis), and the Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings issued by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, to ensure prevention and control of diseases common to and shared among humans and animals.

C. A health officer shall annually inspect a pet store to determine compliance with §A of this regulation.

D. A health officer:

(1) May delegate the authority to conduct annual pet store inspections to another specified agency such as, but not limited to, the local animal control; and

(2) Shall execute and keep on file a written agreement with the delegated inspection agency.

E. Enforcement. An authorized law enforcement officer or local animal control authority shall promptly enforce a written order of the health officer or the Maryland Public Health Veterinarian issued pursuant to COMAR 10.06.02.

F. Penalty. The owner of a pet store refusing or failing to comply with the provisions of this regulation is subject to the penalties set forth in Health-General Article, §§18-222, 18-604, and 24-110, Annotated Code of Maryland.