§ 10–604
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-604 (2026)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not:
(1)
overdrive or overload an animal;
(2)
deprive an animal of necessary sustenance;
(3)
inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal;
(4)
cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection; or
(5)
if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with:
(i)
nutritious food in sufficient quantity;
(ii)
necessary veterinary care;
(iii)
proper drink;
(iv)
proper air;
(v)
proper space;
(vi)
proper shelter; or
(vii)
proper protection from the weather.
(b)
(1)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2)
As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section 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.
(3)
As a condition of probation, the court may prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal.