1. (a) A person may not:

   1. (1) overdrive or overload an animal;
   2. (2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance;
   3. (3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal;
   4. (4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection; or

   5. (5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with:

      1. (i) nutritious food in sufficient quantity;
      2. (ii) necessary veterinary care;
      3. (iii) proper drink;
      4. (iv) proper air;
      5. (v) proper space;
      6. (vi) proper shelter; or
      7. (vii) proper protection from the weather.

2. (b)

   1. (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 $1,000 or both.

   2. (2) As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:

      1. (i) participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
      2. (ii) 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.
   3. (3) As a condition of probation, the court may prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2006, c. 448, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2006; Acts 2011, c. 26, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; Acts 2011, c. 27, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; Acts 2017, c. 187, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017; Acts 2017, c. 188, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017; Acts 2019, c. 61, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019; Acts 2019, c. 62, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019.

Formerly Art. 27, § 59.