§ 3-3-2406. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

(a)

In general. The Commission has the following duties and responsibilities:

(1)

Maintain liaison with:

(i)

The Animal Services Division;

(ii)

The Animal Hearing Board;

(iii)

The Police Department;

(iv)

Public and private humane organizations;

(v)

Animal services advisory commissions or boards in other counties and municipalities; and

(vi)

Animal services agencies in other states and the federal government;

(2)

Consult with county and municipal animal services advisory commissions or boards on their animal welfare programs;

(3)

Collect and assemble pertinent information that is available from other agencies;

(4)

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, visit the county animal shelter during hours that the shelter is open to the public at times selected by the Commission, and observe all phases and areas of the operation of the shelter;

(5)

Subject to the limitations of the Maryland Public Information Act, collect and assemble any and all data and records of the Animal Services Division pertaining to its operation;

(6)

Review and make recommendations to the County Council and the County Executive concerning:

(i)

The budgets and fiscal needs of the Animal Services Division; and

(ii)

The policies governing the operation of the Animal Services Division, including rules and regulations for the operation of the animal shelter;

(7)

Work actively in educating the public on issues related to animal rescue and adoption and the need for sterilization of dogs and cats, and to review and make recommendations to control the animal population and enhance adoption opportunities; and

(8)

Generally promote the mission and responsibilities of the Animal Services Division.

(b)

Visits to non-public shelter areas.

(1)

This subsection applies only to a member who intends to visit a part of the animal shelter that is not normally open to the public.

(2)

A member shall coordinate the visit with the director of the shelter not less than 4 hours in advance.

(3)

A member may not be accompanied by a person who is not a member during a visit authorized under this subsection.

(4)

A member may not visit the quarantine room.

(5)

If the visit is expected to last more than two hours, the director of the shelter and the member must secure the permission of the Health Officer or the Health Officer's designee.

(Bill No. 2-15, § 1, 2-16-2015; Bill No. 77-15, § 2, 11-4-2015 )