Crimes Relating to Animals - Restrictions on Keeping Roosters

New housing limits for rooster keepers

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland bans movement-restricting enclosures or tethers for roosters kept individually, unless an exemption applies. Covered enclosures house one adult rooster long-term and prevent interaction with other roosters, including improvised tanks or plastic barrels. A rooster means a male chicken at least six months old, with fully developed adult feathers, or able to crow. Exemptions cover specified commercial poultry producers, schools receiving state funds, government animal shelters, and legally defined animal welfare organizations. Members of 4-H or Future Farmers of America also qualify with written membership proof and county approval. That approval must list the reasons for keeping the roosters, their number and breed, the allowed duration, and property address. Another exemption covers people who provide written proof, when an animal-control, county humane-society, or police officer requests it, that they kept more adult hens than roosters within the previous six months. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, but the housing ban starts January 1, 2027. Violations are civil offenses: the first brings a warning; the second carries a fine of up to $500 per rooster. Third and later offenses carry fines of up to $1,000 per rooster. State or local law enforcement officers and local animal-control authorities can enforce the rule. Stricter state and local rooster rules remain in force, and local governments can adopt tougher standards.