§ 10–624

Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.

Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-624 (2026)

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

Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals

(a)

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not:

(1)

crop or cut off the ear of a dog;

(2)

dock or cut off the tail of a dog;

(3)

cut off the dewclaw of a dog; or

(4)

surgically birth a dog.

(b)

A procedure described in subsection (a) of this section may be performed by a licensed veterinarian using anesthesia when appropriate on the animal.

(c)

A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

(1)

for a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and

(2)

for a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 180 days or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.