Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals
Section 10-624 - Unauthorized Surgery on Dogs

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not:
        (1)    crop or cut off the ear of a dog;
        (2)    dock or cut off the tail of a dog;
        (3)    cut off the dewclaw of a dog; or
        (4)    surgically birth a dog.
    (b)    A procedure described in subsection (a) of this section may be performed by a licensed veterinarian using anesthesia when appropriate on the animal.
    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
        (1)    for a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
        (2)    for a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 180 days or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Structure Maryland Statutes