Crimes Relating to Animals - Restrictions on Keeping Roosters

New movement limits for people keeping roosters

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland bans using an enclosure or tether to restrict an individually kept rooster’s movement. A rooster means a male chicken that is at least 6 months old, has adult plumage, or can crow. An enclosure means long-term housing for one adult rooster, designed to prevent contact with other roosters. This includes cages and repurposed containers. The first violation brings a warning. A second violation carries a civil penalty of up to $500 per rooster. A third or later violation carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per rooster. These are civil offenses, not criminal charges under this section. Exemptions cover specified commercial poultry producers, schools receiving state funds, government-run animal shelters, and qualifying animal welfare organizations. Members of 4-H or Future Farmers of America qualify with written membership proof and county authorization when an authorized officer requests them. That authorization must explain why they keep more than 5 roosters per acre or 25 on a property. It must also list the permitted number, each rooster’s breed, how long each may stay, and the property address. Those numbers are not general limits on rooster ownership. A property means one parcel or several parcels operating as one unit. Another exemption covers people who provide requested written proof of keeping more adult hens than roosters during the preceding six months. State or local law enforcement officers and local animal control authorities may enforce the law within their jurisdictions. The Department may help but is not required to enforce it or conduct extra inspections. Stricter county, city, and state rules still apply. The act’s general effective date is October 1, 2025; the movement restriction starts January 1, 2027.