§ 12-3-104. OWNER'S LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE.

If an animal damages the body, clothing, or other property of any person, the owner or keeper of the animal is liable for the damages, unless the damages to the body or clothing of the person were sustained while the person was:

(1)

Committing a trespass or other tort; or

(2)

Teasing, tormenting, or abusing the animal.

(1988 Code, § 6-204) (Bill No. 3-00, § 4, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 72-03, § 27, 7-1-2004)

Editor's note:
  In Gunpowder Horse Stables, Inc. v. State Farm Auto. Ins. Co., 108 Md. App. 612, 673 A.2d 721 (Md. App. 1996), the Maryland Court of Special Appeals invalidated § 6-204 of the Baltimore County Code, 1988, a statutory precursor to this section, "as not being a 'local law' under Article XI-A of the Maryland Constitution." The Court stated that "a county may not create a new cause of action between private parties concerning matters of statewide concern."