Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-604 : CRIMINAL LAW — CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, CONDUCT, AND SENSIBILITIES — CRIMES RELATING TO ANIMALS —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;
(iii) proper drink;
(iv) proper air;
(v) proper space;
(vi) proper shelter; or
(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.

Md. Code, CR § 10-604

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.
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