2022 Maryland Statutes
Criminal Law
Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals
Section 10-606 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- in General

    (a)    (1)    In this section, “sexual contact with an animal” means any act:

            (i)    involving:

                1.    a person touching the sex organ or anus of an animal;

                2.    contact between:

                A.    the sex organ or anus of a person and the mouth, sex organ, or anus of an animal; or

                B.    the sex organ or anus of an animal, and the mouth, sex organ, or anus of a person; or

                3.    insertion of:

                A.    any part of the body of a person into the opening of the vagina or anus of an animal;

                B.    any part of an animal’s body into the opening of the vagina or anus of a person; or

                C.    any object into the opening of the vagina or anus of an animal; and

            (ii)    committed for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, abuse, or financial gain.

        (2)    “Sexual contact with an animal” does not include:

            (i)    an accepted veterinary practice;

            (ii)    artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes;

            (iii)    accepted animal husbandry practices, including:

                1.    grooming;

                2.    raising;

                3.    breeding;

                4.    assisting with the birthing process; or

                5.    any other activity that provides care for an animal; or

            (iv)    generally accepted practices relating to the judging of breed confirmation.

    (b)    A person may not:

        (1)    intentionally:

            (i)    mutilate an animal;

            (ii)    torture an animal;

            (iii)    cruelly beat an animal;

            (iv)    cruelly kill an animal; or

            (v)    engage in sexual contact with an animal;

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

        (3)    except in the case of self–defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.

    (c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

        (2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may:

            (i)    order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:

                1.    participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and

                2.    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; and

            (ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.