Bill > SB152

This bill modifies Maryland's criminal law regarding animal-related offenses by clarifying exemptions to animal cruelty statutes and establishing new sentencing guidelines. The bill explicitly exempts certain activities from animal cruelty prohibitions, including standard veterinary and agricultural practices, research conducted under approved protocols, and activities that may cause unavoidable animal pain when conducted using the most humane method reasonably available. Notably, the bill specifically lists food processing, pest elimination, animal training, and hunting activities (when done in accordance with Natural Resources regulations) as permissible activities. Additionally, the bill introduces significant sentencing provisions: each animal harmed in a violation will be considered a separate offense and individual victim for sentencing purposes, meaning that sentences can be "stacked" for multiple animals harmed. Furthermore, a conviction under these animal-related statutes cannot be merged with other criminal convictions arising from the same act, and sentences can be imposed separately and either consecutively or concurrently with other sentences related to the same underlying act. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing clarity and potentially more stringent penalties for animal-related criminal offenses.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0152?ys=2025RS