reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-607.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-607.1 - Implement of Dogfighting

    (a)    (1)    In this section, “implement of dogfighting” means an implement, an object, a device, or a drug intended or designed:            (i)    to enhance the fighting ability of a dog; or            (ii)    for use in a deliberately conducted event that uses a dog to fight with another dog.        (2)    “Implement of dogfighting” includes:            (i)    a breaking stick designed for insertion behind the molars of a dog to break the dog’s grip on another animal or object;            (ii)    a cat mill that rotates around a central support with one arm designed to secure a dog and one arm designed to secure a cat, rabbit, or other small animal beyond the grasp of the dog;            (iii)    a springpole that has a biting surface attached to a stretchable device, suspended at a height sufficient to prevent an animal from reaching the biting surface while touching the ground;            (iv)    a fighting pit or other confined area designed to contain a dogfight;            (v)    a breeding stand or rape stand used to immobilize female dogs for breeding purposes; and            (vi)    any other instrument or device that is commonly used in the training for, in the preparation for, in the conditioning for, in the breeding for, in the conducting of, or otherwise in furtherance of a dogfight.    (b)    A person may not possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of dogfighting.    (c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days 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 participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and            (ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.        (3)    Each implement of dogfighting possessed in violation of this section is a separate offense.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-608 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-608 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Cockfights Prohibited

    (a)    (1)    In this section, “implement of cockfighting” means any implement or device intended or designed:            (i)    to enhance the fighting ability of a fowl, cock, or other bird; or            (ii)    for use in a deliberately conducted event that uses a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another fowl, cock, or other bird.        (2)    “Implement of cockfighting” includes:            (i)    a gaff;            (ii)    a slasher;            (iii)    a postiza;            (iv)    a sparring muff; and            (v)    any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a gamecock or other fighting bird.    (b)    A person may not:        (1)    use or allow the use of a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another animal;        (2)    possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of cockfighting;        (3)    arrange or conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird;        (4)    possess, own, sell, transport, or train a fowl, cock, or other bird with the intent to use the fowl, cock, or other bird in a cockfight; or        (5)    knowingly allow premises under the person’s ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird.    (c)    (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.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-609 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-609 - Arrest by Humane Society Officer

    (a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, if an officer of a humane society sees a person committing a misdemeanor that involves cruelty to an animal, the officer shall arrest and bring before the District Court the person committing the misdemeanor.    (b)    In Calvert County, if an officer of a humane society or an animal control officer appointed by the County Commissioners or the County Commissioners’ designee sees a person committing a misdemeanor that involves cruelty to an animal, the officer shall arrest and bring before the District Court the person committing the misdemeanor.    (c)    In Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Animal Control shall enforce this section.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-610 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-610 - Animal as Prize

    (a)    This section does not apply to a person giving away an animal:        (1)    as an agricultural project;        (2)    for conservation purposes; or        (3)    that is intended for slaughter.    (b)    Without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, a person may not give away a live animal as:        (1)    a prize for, or inducement to enter, a contest, game, or other competition;        (2)    an inducement to enter a place of amusement; or        (3)    an incentive to make a business agreement if the offer is to attract trade.    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-611 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-611 - Killing of Dog or Cat -- Prohibited Means

    (a)    A person may not kill or allow a dog or cat to be killed by use of:        (1)    a decompression chamber;        (2)    carbon monoxide gas; or        (3)    curariform drugs.    (b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-612 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-612 - Abandoning Domestic Animal

    (a)    A person who owns, possesses, or has custody of a domestic animal may not drop or leave the animal on a road, in a public place, or on private property with the intent to abandon the animal.    (b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-613 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-613 - Sale of Puppy or Kitten

    (a)    This section does not apply to:        (1)    a biomedical facility that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture; or        (2)    an animal that is accompanied by a signed statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal’s dam is incapacitated for humane or medical reasons and cannot care for the animal.    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not sell or distribute in the State or bring into the State for the purpose of sale or distribution a domestic dog or cat less than 8 weeks of age unless accompanied by its dam.        (2)    A person may give an unaccompanied dog or cat to:            (i)    an animal shelter or pound that is operated or supported by a government; or            (ii)    a humane society.    (c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.        (2)    For purposes of humane disposal, a court may seize an animal brought into this State in violation of this section.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-614 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-614 - Transfer or Coloring of Chick

    (a)    In this section, “chick” means a chicken, duckling, or other fowl under the age of 3 weeks.    (b)    This section does not prohibit the sale or display of a chick in proper facilities by a breeder or store engaged in the business of selling chicks for commercial breeding and raising.    (c)    A person may not:        (1)    sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away a chick as a pet, toy, premium, or novelty; or        (2)    color, dye, stain, or otherwise change the natural color of a chick.    (d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-615 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-615 - Care of Mistreated Animal

    (a)    If an owner or custodian of an animal is convicted of an act of animal cruelty, the court may order the removal of the animal or any other animal at the time of conviction for the protection of the animal.    (b)    (1)    An officer or authorized agent of a humane society, or a police officer or other public official required to protect animals may seize an animal if necessary to protect the animal from cruelty.        (2)    (i)    An animal that a medical and scientific research facility possesses may be removed under this subsection only after review by and a recommendation from the Maryland Department of Health, Center for Veterinary Public Health.            (ii)    The Maryland Department of Health shall:                1.    conduct an investigation within 24 hours after receiving a complaint; and                2.    within 24 hours after completing the investigation, report to the State’s Attorney for the county in which the facility is situated.    (c)    (1)    If an animal is impounded, yarded, or confined without necessary food, water, or proper attention, is subject to cruelty, or is neglected, an officer or authorized agent of a humane society, a police officer, another public official required to protect animals, or any invited and accompanying veterinarian licensed in the State, may:            (i)    enter the place where the animal is located and supply the animal with necessary food, water, and attention; or            (ii)    remove the animal if removal is necessary for the health of the animal.        (2)    A person who enters a place under paragraph (1) of this subsection is not liable because of the entry.    (d)    (1)    A person who removes an animal under subsection (c) of this section shall notify the animal’s owner or custodian of:            (i)    the removal; and            (ii)    any administrative remedies that may be available to the owner or custodian.        (2)    If an administrative remedy is not available, the owner or custodian may file a petition for the return of the animal in the District Court of the county in which the removal occurred within 10 days after the removal.    (e)    An animal is considered a stray if:        (1)    an owner or custodian of the animal was notified under subsection (d) of this section and failed to file a petition within 10 days after removal; or        (2)    the owner or custodian of the animal is unknown and cannot be ascertained by reasonable effort for 20 days to determine the owner or custodian.    (f)    This section does not allow:        (1)    entry into a private dwelling; or        (2)    removal of a farm animal without the prior recommendation of a veterinarian licensed in the State.    (g)    In Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Animal Control or an organization that the Baltimore County government approves shall enforce this section.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-616 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-616 - Kennel Inspection

    (a)    This section does not apply to premises:        (1)    where dogs are kept or bred solely for medical or related research or laboratory tests;        (2)    operated by a licensed and regularly practicing veterinarian; or        (3)    where hunting dogs are housed, if the buying, selling, trading, or breeding is incidental to the main purposes of housing, keeping, and using dogs.    (b)    (1)    To determine if dogs are being treated inhumanely in violation of this subtitle or other law, an authorized director of a humane society, accompanied by a sheriff or a deputy sheriff, may inspect a premises:            (i)    where a person is engaged in the business of buying, selling, trading, or breeding dogs; or            (ii)    of a kennel where 25 or more dogs are kept.        (2)    A person who inspects premises under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall give prior written notice of the time and date of the inspection to the owner or occupant of the premises.    (c)    (1)    In Baltimore City, the Baltimore City Health Department shall enforce this section.        (2)    In Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Animal Control or an organization that the Baltimore County government approves shall enforce this section.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-617 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-617 - Disposal of Domestic Animal

    (a)    In this section, “animal control unit” means the local organization or governmental unit that the appropriate local governmental body designates to house, care for, and control domestic animals of unknown ownership.    (b)    An animal control unit shall dispose of an unclaimed dog or cat only by:        (1)    placing the animal in a suitable home;        (2)    retaining the animal in the animal control unit; or        (3)    humanely destroying the animal.    (c)    A domestic animal that is impounded by an animal control unit may not be sold, placed, or destroyed until the animal has been carefully inspected for a tag, tattoo, microchip, or other identification to ascertain the owner and:        (1)    72 hours have elapsed after notice has been given to the owner;        (2)    if the owner cannot be notified, 72 hours have elapsed after the animal is impounded;        (3)    the animal is seriously diseased or severely injured; or        (4)    the animal is under 3 months of age.    (d)    (1)    An animal control unit shall make a reasonable effort to notify the owner of the location of and the procedure for retrieving an impounded animal.        (2)    An owner who retrieves an animal from an animal control unit shall pay all fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the animal control unit.        (3)    The necessary expenses for food and attention given to an animal under this section may be collected from the owner, and the animal is not exempt from levy and sale on execution of a judgment for the expenses.        (4)    A new owner with whom an animal is placed under subsection (b)(1) of this section may be charged an adoption fee.    (e)    A person who violates this section:        (1)    for a first offense, is subject to a civil fine not exceeding $500; and        (2)    for a second or subsequent offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-618 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-618 - Poisoning Dog

    (a)    A person may not willfully and maliciously give poison or ground glass to a dog, or expose poison or ground glass, with the intent that a dog ingest it.    (b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each violation.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-619 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-619 - Dangerous Dog

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Dangerous dog” means a dog that:            (i)    without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person; or            (ii)    is determined by the appropriate unit of a county or municipal corporation under subsection (c) of this section to be a potentially dangerous dog and, after the determination is made:                1.    bites a person;                2.    when not on its owner’s real property, kills or inflicts severe injury on a domestic animal; or                3.    attacks without provocation.        (3)    (i)    “Owner’s real property” means real property owned or leased by the owner of a dog.            (ii)    “Owner’s real property” does not include a public right-of-way or a common area of a condominium, apartment complex, or townhouse development.        (4)    “Severe injury” means a physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.    (b)    This section does not apply to a dog owned by and working for a governmental or law enforcement unit.    (c)    An appropriate unit of a county or municipal corporation may determine that a dog is potentially dangerous if the unit:        (1)    finds that the dog:            (i)    has inflicted a bite on a person while on public or private real property;            (ii)    when not on its owner’s real property, has killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal; or            (iii)    has attacked without provocation; and        (2)    notifies the dog owner in writing of the reasons for this determination.    (d)    A dog owner may not:        (1)    leave a dangerous dog unattended on the owner’s real property unless the dog is:            (i)    confined indoors;            (ii)    in a securely enclosed and locked pen; or            (iii)    in another structure designed to restrain the dog; or        (2)    allow a dangerous dog to leave the owner’s real property unless the dog is leashed and muzzled, or is otherwise securely restrained and muzzled.    (e)    An owner of a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog who sells or gives the dog to another shall notify in writing:        (1)    the authority that made the determination under subsection (c) of this section, of the name and address of the new owner of the dog; and        (2)    the person taking possession of the dog, of the dangerous behavior or potentially dangerous behavior of the dog.    (f)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-620 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-620 - Interference With Race Horse

    (a)    In this section, “equine” includes horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies.    (b)    This section does not apply to the owner of the equine or a person acting on behalf of or at the direction of the owner of the equine.    (c)    A person may not:        (1)    willfully and maliciously interfere with, injure, destroy, or tamper with an equine used for:            (i)    racing or breeding;            (ii)    a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or            (iii)    any other lawful activity;        (2)    willfully start, instigate, engage in, or further an act that interferes with, injures, destroys, or tampers with an equine used for:            (i)    racing or breeding;            (ii)    a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or            (iii)    any other lawful activity; or        (3)    commit an act that tends to interfere with, injure, destroy, or tamper with an equine used for:            (i)    racing or breeding;            (ii)    a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or            (iii)    any other lawful activity.    (d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-622 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-622 - Injuring or Trapping Carrier Pigeon

    (a)    A person may not shoot, kill, or maim a carrier pigeon.    (b)    A person may not entrap, catch, or detain a carrier pigeon that has:        (1)    the owner’s name stamped on the carrier pigeon’s wing or tail; or        (2)    a leg band that includes the owner’s initials, name, or number.    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10 for each violation.
MD. Criminal Law Code Ann. §  10-623 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Criminal Law|Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities|Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals|Section 10-623 - Leaving Dogs Outside and Unattended by Use of Restraints

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Collar” means a device constructed of nylon, leather, or similar material specifically designed to be used around the neck of a dog.        (3)    “Restraint” means a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.    (b)    A person may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint:        (1)    that unreasonably limits the movement of the dog;        (2)    that uses a collar that:            (i)    is made primarily of metal; or            (ii)    is not at least as large as the circumference of the dog’s neck plus 1 inch;        (3)    that restricts the access of the dog to suitable and sufficient clean water or appropriate shelter;        (4)    in unsafe or unsanitary conditions; or        (5)    that causes injury to the dog.    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.