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Md. governor signs laws to protect man’s best friend

Kate Ryan | kryan@wtop.com

May 7, 2017, 12:55 AM

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WASHINGTON — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed some 200 bills into law last week in Annapolis, and some of those are meant to protect man’s best friend.

Hogan said the laws are key measure to combat the senseless crime of animal cruelty.

Among the bills signed concerns licensing requirements for commercial dog breeding to try to crack down on puppy mills in Maryland.

Another law is SB 441, which is designed to help link veterans with service dogs.

Huff wears this vest, making it clear who he's working with. These dogs undergo extensive training to improve the lives of returning veterans and form powerful bonds with their partners. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Huff wears this vest, making it clear who he’s working with. These dogs undergo extensive training to improve the lives of returning veterans and form powerful bonds with their partners. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan holds one of the dogs from a Maryland animal welfare group before signing a number of bills designed to crack down on "the senseless crime of animal cruelty." Hogan, a dog- lover, asked about the backgrounds of many of the dogs. Lexi, Maryland's "First Dog," passed away in December. Hogan indicated he'd like to get another dog in the future. For now, he said of the presence of dogs at the bill-signing ceremony, "We should have dogs here every day!" (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan holds one of the dogs from a Maryland animal welfare group before signing a number of bills designed to crack down on “the senseless crime of animal cruelty.” Hogan, a dog- lover, asked about the backgrounds of many of the dogs. Lexi, Maryland’s “First Dog,” passed away in December. Hogan indicated he’d like to get another dog in the future. For now, he said of the presence of dogs at the bill-signing ceremony, “We should have dogs here every day!” (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
This is Munro's vest. When you see this, resist the urge to pet this handsome dog -- he's busy working alongside his partner, a veteran. Service dogs have been credited with improving the lives of the veterans they are paired with. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
This is Munro’s vest. When you see this, resist the urge to pet this handsome dog — he’s busy working alongside his partner, a veteran. Service dogs have been credited with improving the lives of the veterans they are paired with. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Munro, one of the working dogs in the Hero Dogs organization, checks in with his partner before taking part in the bill-signing ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland. SB 441 is designed to help link veterans with service dogs, such as Munro, whose eyes never left his handler. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Munro, one of the working dogs in the Hero Dogs organization, checks in with his partner before taking part in the bill-signing ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland. SB 441 is designed to help link veterans with service dogs, such as Munro, whose eyes never left his handler. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a dog-lover, holds Mabel, a rescue dog, before signing bills into law. Among the bills he signed, one that helps animal welfare agencies recover the costs associated when they rescue animals from hoarding cases. That's Oreo behind him, giving out smooches. Over his shoulder is fluffy, little Gem, and off to the right with a big grin, is Rocky. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a dog-lover, holds Mabel, a rescue dog, before signing bills into law. Among the bills he signed, one that helps animal welfare agencies recover the costs associated when they rescue animals from hoarding cases. That’s Oreo behind him, giving out smooches. Over his shoulder is fluffy, little Gem, and off to the right with a big grin, is Rocky. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Hundreds of bills were signed into law by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week, and Huff, a service dog with Warrior Canine Connection, waited patiently for his turn at the bill-signing table.(WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Hundreds of bills were signed into law by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week, and Huff, a service dog with Warrior Canine Connection, waited patiently for his turn at the bill-signing table. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
Among the 207 bills signed in to law by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week: one that supports the work of groups that place service dogs with veterans. Here Munro (left, with Hero Dogs) and Huff, (right, with Warrior Canine Connection) pose for the cameras. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Among the 207 bills signed in to law by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week: one that supports the work of groups that place service dogs with veterans. Here Munro (left, with Hero Dogs) and Huff, (right, with Warrior Canine Connection) pose for the cameras. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
WTOP/Kate Ryan
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Huff wears this vest, making it clear who he's working with. These dogs undergo extensive training to improve the lives of returning veterans and form powerful bonds with their partners. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan holds one of the dogs from a Maryland animal welfare group before signing a number of bills designed to crack down on "the senseless crime of animal cruelty." Hogan, a dog- lover, asked about the backgrounds of many of the dogs. Lexi, Maryland's "First Dog," passed away in December. Hogan indicated he'd like to get another dog in the future. For now, he said of the presence of dogs at the bill-signing ceremony, "We should have dogs here every day!" (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
This is Munro's vest. When you see this, resist the urge to pet this handsome dog -- he's busy working alongside his partner, a veteran. Service dogs have been credited with improving the lives of the veterans they are paired with. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Munro, one of the working dogs in the Hero Dogs organization, checks in with his partner before taking part in the bill-signing ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland. SB 441 is designed to help link veterans with service dogs, such as Munro, whose eyes never left his handler. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a dog-lover, holds Mabel, a rescue dog, before signing bills into law. Among the bills he signed, one that helps animal welfare agencies recover the costs associated when they rescue animals from hoarding cases. That's Oreo behind him, giving out smooches. Over his shoulder is fluffy, little Gem, and off to the right with a big grin, is Rocky. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Hundreds of bills were signed into law by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week, and Huff, a service dog with Warrior Canine Connection, waited patiently for his turn at the bill-signing table.(WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Among the 207 bills signed in to law by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week: one that supports the work of groups that place service dogs with veterans. Here Munro (left, with Hero Dogs) and Huff, (right, with Warrior Canine Connection) pose for the cameras. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
Kate Ryan

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

kryan@wtop.com

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