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MarylandSB 00802025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Criminal Law - Animal Abuse or Neglect - Penalties

Sponsored By: Benjamin F. Kramer (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesAbuse -see also- Child Abuse; Dom. Viol.; Elder Abuse; etcAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDomestic Animals -see also- Birds; DogsFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesLivestockMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Penalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyVeterinarians

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New penalties for fatal animal abuse

Effective immediately upon enactment, Maryland law creates a misdemeanor for animal abuse or neglect that kills a domestic animal or livestock. It also covers abuse or neglect that makes euthanasia necessary. A second licensed veterinarian must validate the euthanasia recommendation, either before or after euthanasia. A conviction carries up to 1 year in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. Courts may also require defendants to attend and pay for psychological counseling and pay reasonable costs for confiscated animals. Those costs cover removal, housing, treatment, or euthanasia, in addition to other fines and costs. Courts may ban defendants from owning, possessing, or living with animals for a period the court sets.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Benjamin F. Kramer

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 180 • No: 1

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 139 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 183

    4/22/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (139-1)

    4/7/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/4/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/3/2025House

  6. Hearing 3/26 at 3:15 p.m.

    3/26/2025House

  7. Hearing canceled

    3/26/2025House

  8. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  9. Referred Judiciary

    3/17/2025House

  10. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/17/2025Senate

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/14/2025Senate

  12. Favorable with Amendments {573527/1 Adopted

    3/14/2025Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/14/2025Senate

  14. Hearing 1/16 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/9/2025Senate

  15. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/8/2025Senate

  16. Pre-filed

    10/25/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/14/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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