§ 10-606
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/md/criminal-law/10-606A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§10–606.
(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.
(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.