Maryland Criminal Law Section 10-604

      (a)      A person may not:

            (1)      overdrive or overload an animal;

            (2)      deprive an animal of necessary sustenance;

            (3)      cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1) or item (2) of this subsection; or

            (4)      if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise:

                  (i)      inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on the animal; or

                  (ii)      unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or 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 participate in and pay for psychological counseling.