Criminal Law - Crimes Relating to Animals - Conviction and Sentencing

HB 89 modifies Maryland's animal cruelty laws by clarifying exemptions for common activities like routine veterinary care (e.g., dehorning, castration), federally approved research, and hunting/fishing conducted humanely under existing regulations. It establishes that each animal harmed in a violation counts as a separate offense for sentencing, meaning multiple animals result in multiple charges. The bill also prevents animal cruelty convictions from merging with other related convictions, allowing courts to impose separate or consecutive sentences for the same act. This directly affects prosecutors, courts, and individuals facing animal cruelty charges, particularly in agriculture, research, and regulated hunting/fishing contexts. The changes take effect October 1, 2025.