Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Maryland, animal cruelty is taken seriously and is addressed under Maryland's Criminal Law Code. The state defines animal cruelty as acts of abuse or neglect towards an animal, including failure to provide necessary sustenance, abuse that causes pain or suffering, and intentional mutilation or killing of an animal. Maryland law distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony animal cruelty. Misdemeanor offenses typically involve general neglect or abuse, while felony charges are reserved for more severe cases, such as aggravated cruelty to animals, which includes intentionally causing serious injury or death to an animal. Penalties for animal cruelty in Maryland can include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory counseling. Additionally, individuals convicted of animal cruelty may be prohibited from owning or residing with animals for a certain period. Maryland also has laws that require veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty and provide immunity from civil and criminal liability when reporting in good faith.