{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-601","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10–601","heading":"","body":"(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(b) “Animal” means a living creature except a human being.\n(c) (1) “Cruelty” means the unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering caused or allowed by an act, omission, or neglect.\n(2) “Cruelty” includes torture and torment.\n(d) “Humane society” means a society or association incorporated in Maryland for the prevention of cruelty to animals.","path":["Article - Criminal Law"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr\u0026section=10-601","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:57:08Z","sha256":"d380721db0bed8ed267581fdadc55507b6d538e5d1e1787b6f5a6cf2fc400c15","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-502","next":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-602"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}