§ 10-626
283 words·~1 min read·
/md/criminal-law/10-626A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§10–626.
(a)In this section, “service animal” has the meaning stated in § 7–701 of the Human Services Article.
(b)A person may not willfully and maliciously:
(1)kill a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to kill a service animal;
(2)injure a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to injure a service animal; or
(3)interfere with the use of a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to interfere with the use of a service animal.
(1)A person who violates subsection (b)(1) or
(2)of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(2)A person who violates subsection (b)(3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(3)As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to pay, in addition to fines and costs, full restitution for all damages arising out of the offense, including:
(i)the value of the service animal;
(ii)replacement and training or retraining expenses for the service animal and handler;
(iii)veterinary and other medical and boarding expenses for the service animal;
(iv)medical expenses for the handler; and
(v)lost wages or income incurred by the handler during any period that the handler is without the services of the service animal.