Maryland Statewide Rule
Maryland Animal Cruelty Law Covers Hoarding Statewide
Key Facts
- General cruelty
- CR Section 10-604
- Aggravated cruelty
- CR Section 10-606
- Felony max
- 3 years prison
- Penalty
- Animal forfeiture available
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.
§10–604. (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. Validation Please fix the following:
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 & Penalties
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?
Can hoarders be banned from owning animals?
Sources
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