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; orB. the sex organ or anus of an animal, and the mouth, sex organ, or anus of a person; or3. 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; orC. 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:4. assisting with the birthing process; or5. 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: (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; and2. 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.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 72,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 62,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 61,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2018 Md. Laws, Ch. 238,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2018.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 188,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 187,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.Amended by 2014 Md. Laws, Ch. 218,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2014.