Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10-604
This is the official text of Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10-604, part of Maryland’s Code, Criminal Law — defines crimes and punishments in Maryland.
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§10–604.
Official statutory text
(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.
(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.
Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site
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