§ 10-606

Maryland § 10-606

• Jurisdiction: Maryland
• Article gcr: Criminal Law
• Title: 10

Text

(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.