§ 10–625.1

Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.

Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-625.1 (2026)

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

Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals

(a)

In this section, “declawing procedure” has the meaning stated in § 2–301 of the Agriculture Article.

(b)

Except as provided in § 2–313.3 of the Agriculture Article, a person may not perform a declawing procedure on a cat.

(c)

(1)

A violation of this section is a civil offense.

(2)

A person who violates this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.

(3)

The provisions of this section may be enforced by:

(i)

any State or local law enforcement officer; or

(ii)

the local animal control authority for the jurisdiction where the violation occurs.