(a) In this section, 'service animal' has the meaning stated in § 7–701 of the Human Services Article. (b) A person may not willfully and maliciously: (1) kill a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to kill a service animal; (2) injure a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to injure a service animal; or (3) interfere with the use of a service animal or allow an animal that the person owns or over which the person has immediate control to interfere with the use of a service animal. (c) (1) A person who violates subsection (b)(1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both. (2) A person who violates subsection (b)(3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both. (3) As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to pay, in addition to fines and costs, full restitution for all damages arising $1,000 or both. (3) As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to pay, in addition to fines and costs, full restitution for all damages arising out of the offense, including: (i) the value of the service animal; (ii) replacement and training or retraining expenses for the service animal and handler; (iii) veterinary and other medical and boarding expenses for the service animal; (iv) medical expenses for the handler; and (v) lost wages or income incurred by the handler during any period that the handler is without the services of the service animal.
Maryland Legal Code