§ 10–604.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-604.1 (2026)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10–604.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not commit a violation of § 10–604 of this subtitle that results in:
(1)
the death of a domestic animal or livestock; or
(2)
the need to euthanize a domestic animal or livestock based on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian, if the decision to euthanize the domestic animal or livestock is validated before or after the euthanasia by a second licensed veterinarian.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(c)
As a condition of sentencing of a defendant convicted of violating this section, the court may:
(1)
order the defendant to:
(i)
participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
(ii)
pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant; and
(2)
prohibit the defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a period of time determined by the court.