§ 10–620
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-620 (2026)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10–620LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “equine” includes horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies.
(b)
This section does not apply to the owner of the equine or a person acting on behalf of or at the direction of the owner of the equine.
(c)
A person may not:
(1)
willfully and maliciously interfere with, injure, destroy, or tamper with an equine used for:
(i)
racing or breeding;
(ii)
a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or
(iii)
any other lawful activity;
(2)
willfully start, instigate, engage in, or further an act that interferes with, injures, destroys, or tampers with an equine used for:
(i)
racing or breeding;
(ii)
a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or
(iii)
any other lawful activity; or
(3)
commit an act that tends to interfere with, injure, destroy, or tamper with an equine used for:
(i)
racing or breeding;
(ii)
a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or
(iii)
any other lawful activity.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.