§ 10–626
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-626 (2026)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10–626LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “service animal” has the meaning stated in § 7–701 of the Human Services Article.
(b)
A person may not willfully and maliciously:
(1)
kill a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to kill a service animal;
(2)
injure a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to injure a service animal; or
(3)
interfere with the use of a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to interfere with the use of a service animal.
(c)
(1)
A person who violates subsection (b)(1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(2)
A person who violates subsection (b)(3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(3)
As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to pay, in addition to fines and costs, full restitution for all damages arising out of the offense, including:
(i)
the value of the service animal;
(ii)
replacement and training or retraining expenses for the service animal and handler;
(iii)
veterinary and other medical and boarding expenses for the service animal;
(iv)
medical expenses for the handler; and
(v)
lost wages or income incurred by the handler during any period that the handler is without the services of the service animal.