# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities

### Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals

#### Section 10-620

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)