Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-606

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
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.

Md. Code, CR § 10-606

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.