1. (a) In this section, “equine” includes horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies.
2. (b) This section does not apply to the owner of the equine or a person acting on behalf of or at the direction of the owner of the equine.

3. (c) A person may not:

   1. (1) willfully and maliciously interfere with, injure, destroy, or tamper with an equine used for:

      1. (i) racing or breeding;
      2. (ii) a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or
      3. (iii) any other lawful activity;

   2. (2) willfully start, instigate, engage in, or further an act that interferes with, injures, destroys, or tampers with an equine used for:

      1. (i) racing or breeding;
      2. (ii) a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or
      3. (iii) any other lawful activity; or

   3. (3) commit an act that tends to interfere with, injure, destroy, or tamper with an equine used for:

      1. (i) racing or breeding;
      2. (ii) a competitive exhibition of skill, breed, or stamina; or
      3. (iii) any other lawful activity.
4. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2020, c. 93, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2020.

Formerly Art. 27, § 61.