Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 10-604 - Abuse or neglect of animal(a) A person may not: (1) overdrive or overload an animal;(2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance;(3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal;(4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection; or(5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with: (i) nutritious food in sufficient quantity;(ii) necessary veterinary care;(vii) proper protection from the weather.(b)(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.(2) As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to: (i) participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and(ii) pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant.(3) As a condition of probation, the court may prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 62,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 61,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 188,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 187,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.