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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 15.14.15.02" title_num="15" subtitle_num="14" chapter_num="15" heading="Definitions.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Terms Defined.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>“Animal” means a living creature except a human being that is privately owned, strays, domesticated, feral, farm animals, corporately or institutionally owned, or used in privately, locally, State, or federally funded activities.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>“Animal cruelty” means:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Overdriving, overloading, torturing, tormenting, or cruelly beating an animal, depriving an animal of necessary sustenance, or causing, procuring, or authorizing these acts;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>If a person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily failing to provide an animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or protection from the weather;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Using or permitting to be used any bird, fowl, or cock for the purpose of fighting with any other animal, which is commonly known as cockfighting;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Using or permitting to be used any dog for the purpose of fighting with any other animal; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Any conduct that violates Criminal Law Article, §§10-604, 10-606, 10-607, and 10-608, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>“Board” means the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>“Has reason to believe” means that a veterinarian suspects but may not actually know that an animal has been subject to cruelty.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>“Law enforcement agency” means the local law enforcement or animal control agency that enforces animal cruelty laws.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>“Reports in good faith” means that a veterinarian has filed the report with a sincere and honest intention.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>“Timely” means as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours from the time that a veterinarian has reason to believe of possible animal cruelty.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>“Veterinarian” means a licensed and registered veterinarian engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>