# Criminal Law (GCR)

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

### Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals

#### Section 10-626

(a) In this section, "service animal" has the meaning stated in Sec. 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.

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