(a) On or before January 1, 2018, the Department shall adopt minimum standards of care for dogs and cats in animal shelters that are consistent with:
(1) The most recent Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters; and
(2) The most recent guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters prepared by the Professional Animal Workers of Maryland.
(b) An animal shelter shall follow the minimum standards of care adopted by the Department.