{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-613","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10–613","heading":"","body":"(a) This section does not apply to:\n(1) a biomedical facility that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture; or\n(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.\n(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.\n(2) A person may give an unaccompanied dog or cat to:\n(i) an animal shelter or pound that is operated or supported by a government; or\n(ii) a humane society.\n(c) (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.\n(2) For purposes of humane disposal, a court may seize an animal brought into this State in violation of this section.","path":["Article - Criminal Law"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr\u0026section=10-613","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:57:08Z","sha256":"ca75f75267d30f6a1f4920b644c49bef5a2539e545b3c09afc743e2552f3bf5c","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-612","next":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-614"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}