3026

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 461

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1979 Replacement Volume and 1981 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
read(s) as follows:

Article 56 - Licenses

197.

(a)  All moneys arising from the dog licenses or taxes
shall be kept in a separate fund by the treasurer of the
respective counties, or tax collecting office thereof, and
shall be used for the payment of damages for the injury and
killing of sheep, poultry or other livestock in the
respective counties, according to the procedures set out in
§ 198 of this article. In the event there are insufficient
funds for the payment of all damages the damages shall be
paid in the order the claims are presented, and any person
or persons whose claims are not paid in any one year by
reason of the lack of money to the credit of the fund, which
is to be designated "the dog license fund," shall be paid
out of the first money coming into the fund after his claim
is reached, and shall be paid in the order in which the
claims are proved and filed; and any claims now filed and
passed upon, but remaining unpaid, shall have preference
over any new claims in the order of payment. The county
commissioners of the several counties may expend any funds
in excess of $1,000 remaining in the hands of the treasurer
or the tax collecting officer after the payment of the
claims for any public purpose which, in their judgment may
seem right and proper, and, whenever in their judgment it
may become necessary to do so, may enter into a contract or
agreement with the persons, association of persons or
corporations they may deem suitable, for the removal, care
and disposition of unlicensed dogs, or licensed dogs which
may create a menace to the safety, security and property of
the residents of the counties, on the terms and conditions
and for the compensation that may be agreed to by the county
commissioners and the persons, associations of persons or
corporations.

(b)  In Washington County, the County Commissioners are
authorized to pay out of the fund claims for damages to
shrubbery and trees, and for damages to personal property of
any kind.

(c)  The provisions of this section dealing with the
maintenance of a separate fund designated "the dog license
fund" are not applicable to Harford and Allegany counties.

(d)  In Harford County, Howard County, and Allegany
County all moneys collected and all claims paid shall be
from general funds of the county.