Home Table of Contents

§ 10-613. Sale of puppy or kitten

West's Annotated Code of MarylandCriminal Law

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Criminal Law (Refs & Annos)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals (Refs & Annos)
MD Code, Criminal Law, § 10-613
Formerly cited as MD CODE Art. 27, § 60B
§ 10-613. Sale of puppy or kitten
Currentness
Scope of section
(a) This section does not apply to:
(1) a biomedical facility that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture; or
(2) an animal that is accompanied by a signed statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal's dam is incapacitated for humane or medical reasons and cannot care for the animal.
Prohibited
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not sell or distribute in the State or bring into the State for the purpose of sale or distribution a domestic dog or cat less than 8 weeks of age unless accompanied by its dam.
(2) A person may give an unaccompanied dog or cat to:
(i) an animal shelter or pound that is operated or supported by a government; or
(ii) a humane society.
Penalty
(c)(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
(2) For purposes of humane disposal, a court may seize an animal brought into this State in violation of this section.

Credits

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.
Formerly Art. 27, § 60B.
MD Code, Criminal Law, § 10-613, MD CRIM LAW § 10-613
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
End of Document