(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.
Maryland Legal Code