CHAPTER 399
(House Bill 214)

AN ACT concerning

Damages for Injury to or Death of Pet

FOR the purpose of altering the measure of damages for tortious injuries to a pet;
clarifying that certain damages may be recovered for the tortious death of a pet;
providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to damages for
tortious injury to or death of a pet.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Section 11-110
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1998 Replacement Volume)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

11-110.

(a) (1) In this section "pet" means a domesticated animal.
(2) "Pet" does not include livestock.

(b) The measure of damages for tortious injuries to OR DEATH OF a pet is the
market value of the pet before the injury OR DEATH or the reasonable cost of
veterinary care, but not more than [$2,500] $5,000 if such charge is greater.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall be
construed only prospectively and may not be applied or interpreted to have any effect
on or application to any cause of action that arises before the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1999.

Approved May .13, 1999.

CHAPTER 400
(House Bill 216)

AN ACT concerning

Evidence - Admissibility of Health Care Writings and Records and Paid Bills
for Goods and Services - Notice of Service