'It's a floor, not a ceiling': Advocates praise laws aimed at animal protection in Baltimore County

Kim Dacey | WBALTV 11 | May 12, 2026 | Original Source

TOWSON, Md. —

Baltimore County officials and animal advocates praised a series of new laws aimed at strengthening protections for animals and holding abusive owners accountable.

The Baltimore County Council recently passed three new laws designed to close loopholes in existing animal welfare regulations.

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier signed the package into law on Tuesday.

Advocates said the measures will increase penalties for dangerous situations involving animals, expand the authority of the Department of Animal Services and prevent people convicted of abuse or neglect from owning pets for at least four years.

"Often abuse may happen, neglect may happen, and the laws have never been harsh enough to actually hold people accountable," said Katie Flory, with the Maryland SPCA. "I'm extremely excited to see Baltimore County pass these laws, to come to the forefront of passing progressive legislation."

One of the most significant changes is the creation of a "reckless owner" designation. Individuals convicted of animal abuse or neglect will not only be barred from owning animals, but also from living in homes where animals are present.

It comes after county officials removed 42 animals from a home in Halethorpe earlier this year. Earlier this month, officials removed another six dogs from Kimberly Klein's property. She faces hundreds of animal cruelty charges.

"We added an amendment to the bill that says not only can't they own them, they can't reside with them," Flory said. "That's really important."

Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County's state's attorney, said the laws were written with enforcement in mind.

"They are very enforceable and have pretty good timelines on how quickly people have to act and take action," Shellenberger said.

In addition to the county legislation, Gov. Wes Moore signed a statewide law Tuesday increasing oversight of pet crematories. The measure was inspired by a series of investigative reports highlighting concerns about pet cremation practices.

"They took advantage of people in their most vulnerable time," said Lisa Radov, president of Maryland Votes for Animals. "So, it's a simple, straightforward bill that puts regulations on cremating pets."

Animal advocates described the new laws as an important first step toward broader protections in the future.

"This, I would say, is a foundation. It's a floor, not a ceiling," Radov said. "This is a starting point. We're going to see where we go with this legislation, how it works, and if there needs to be improvement to it."

The new Baltimore County laws are scheduled to take effect in two weeks.