1. (a) A person may not commit a violation of § 10-604 of this subtitle that results in:

   1. (1) the death of a domestic animal or livestock; or
   2. (2) the need to euthanize a domestic animal or livestock based on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian, if the decision to euthanize the domestic animal or livestock is validated before or after the euthanasia by a second licensed veterinarian.
2. (b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

3. (c) As a condition of sentencing of a defendant convicted of violating this section, the court may:

   1. (1) order the defendant 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; and
   2. (2) prohibit the defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a period of time determined by the court.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 183, § 1, eff. April 22, 2025.