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Gaithersburg, MD Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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Key Facts

General cruelty: CR Section 10-604
Aggravated cruelty: CR Section 10-606
Felony max: 3 years prison
Penalty: Animal forfeiture available

Maryland state rule: Gaithersburg does not have a local ordinance for animal hoarding. This topic is governed by Maryland state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

Maryland Criminal Law Sections 10-604 through 10-606 prohibit aggravated and general animal cruelty statewide, including failure to provide nutritious food, proper drink, air, space, shelter, and protection that constitutes hoarding.

Full Breakdown

Md. Code Ann., Criminal Law Section 10-604 makes it a misdemeanor to deprive an animal of necessary sustenance, inflict unnecessary suffering, or cruelly kill an animal. Section 10-606 elevates aggravated cruelty to a felony. While Maryland lacks a hoarding-specific statute, prosecutors apply the cruelty law to hoarding cases involving large numbers of animals kept in conditions that cause suffering. Local jurisdictions may enact additional animal welfare ordinances under Section 10-617, but the state cruelty floor applies uniformly. Convictions can include forfeiture of animals and prohibitions on future ownership.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor up to $1,000 fine and 90 days; felony aggravated cruelty up to 3 years and $5,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is animal hoarding a specific crime in Maryland?

Maryland does not have a stand-alone hoarding statute, but hoarding is prosecuted under general animal cruelty laws when conditions cause suffering or deprive animals of food, water, shelter, or care.

Can hoarders be banned from owning animals?

Yes. Courts may order forfeiture of all animals and prohibit future ownership as a condition of sentencing or probation, in addition to fines and possible jail time.

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Gaithersburg, MD Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

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