<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".13" citation="COMAR 08.03.09.13" title_num="08" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="09" heading="Possession and Trade of Captive Mute Swans.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Except as provided in §B of this regulation, it shall be a violation to buy, sell, barter, trade, or transfer any mute swan or mute swan eggs to or from another person.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Prior to March 1, 2009, a permittee may sell or transfer mute swans to a person residing in another state if the permittee has:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A letter from the state agency responsible for managing wildlife in the destination state authorizing the import of mute swans; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A letter from the Service authorizing the export of mute swans from the State.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A person may not possess a mute swan unless permitted under this regulation. Possession shall include any mute swan held in an enclosure, pinioned to prevent its escape, or otherwise confined on a person's property.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A person may apply, through August 31, 2009, for a permit to possess a mute swan by completing a form prescribed by the Service. After that date, the Service may not issue permits allowing the possession of mute swans.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A person permitted to possess mute swans shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Render all mute swans incapable of flight by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Surgically pinioning one wing; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Confining mute swans in a completely closed enclosure that prevents escape;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Addle or destroy all mute swan eggs to prevent the production of cygnets;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Mark all mute swans with a metal leg band inscribed with the owner's name, address, and telephone number; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Submit an annual report and permit renewal as specified by the Service.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Addling under §E(2) of this regulation may include shaking, pricking, freezing, and oiling by coating the eggs with 100 percent food-grade corn oil.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>It is a violation of this regulation to release any mute swan to the wild.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>A permittee shall notify the Director or the Director's designee of any escape of mute swans into the wild within 48 hours after learning of the escape.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>Permittees shall be subject to inspection by the Department at any reasonable hour.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>Any violation of any provision or restriction of the permit constitutes a violation of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>