# Criminal Law (GCR)

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

### Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals

#### Section 10-624

(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.

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