684 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 620

owners or keepers of such dogs are jointly and severally
liable for such damage.

The Board of County Commissioners of Anne Arundel Coun-
ty shall not be liable for any damages caused by dogs to the
property, clothing or body of any person, nor shall the Board
be liable for any acts of the Wardens in the enforcement of
the provisions of this Act.

256L. (Damaged Party Choice of Remedies. ) The owner of
livestock or poultry which has been maimed or killed by a dog
shall have his election to proceed under Section 256J or under
256K, but having signified his election by starting proceedings
in either mode, he shall not have the other remedy.

256M. (Predatory Dogs and Dogs Under Suspicion. ) The
Board of County Commissioners and any justice of the peace
of the County shall have the power to order the Warden or any
county officer to kill any dog known to be a confirmed poultry
killer, and any dog killing fowl on three different occasions
shall be considered a confirmed poultry killer.

Any Warden or other person who has reason to believe that
any dog has been worrying, wounding or killing livestock but
which has not been found in the act, may apply to a justice of
the peace of the district in which such dog may be, who shall
issue a warrant requiring the owner or custodian, if known, to
appear before him at a time and place named therein, at which
time evidence shall be heard, and if it shall appear that such
dog is a livestock or poultry killer, or has committed any of
the depredations mentioned in this section, the dog shall be
ordered surrendered to such Warden or other officer designated
by the justice of the peace to be destroyed in the most humane
manner possible.

Provided, however, that any such dog either known to be or
suspected as a killer shall be allowed to remain in its owner's
possession upon his posting a bond or surety acceptable to the
Board or the justice of the peace in the sum of Two Hundred
Dollars ($200. 00) as a guarantee to the County against any
further claims filed as a consequence of damages caused or par-
ticipated in by said dog.

256N. (Authority for Killing Attacking Dog. ) Any person
may kill any licensed or unlicensed dog which suddenly
assaults him while he is peaceably standing, moving or riding
outside the enclosure of its owner or keeper, and any person
may kill any dog found out of the enclosure of its owner or
keeper and not under his immediate care actually in the act of
worrying, wounding or killing persons, livestock or fowls.

A police officer, constable or Warden shall have authority to
kill any licensed or unlicensed dog which a justice of the peacer