Section 10-606 - Aggravated cruelty to animals - In general. - Maryland Statutes

§ 10-606. Aggravated cruelty to animals - In general.
 

(a)  Prohibited.- A person may not: 

(1) intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill 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. 

(b)  Penalty.-  

(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 order a defendant convicted of violating this section to participate in and pay for psychological counseling. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 59(c)(1)(i), (ii), (v), (2); 2002, ch. 26, § 2.]