Maryland § 10-608.1

§ 10-608.1.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Enclosure” means a structure used for confinement, including a wire cage or an item traditionally used for another purpose such as a water tank or plastic barrel, that:

            (i)    is used to provide long–term housing for one adult rooster; and

            (ii)    prevents interaction with other roosters.

        (3)    “Property” means:

            (i)    a parcel of land; or

            (ii)    a combination of parcels of land operating as a single unit.

        (4)    “Rooster” means a male chicken that:

            (i)    is at least 6 months old;

            (ii)    has fully developed an adult plumage; or

            (iii)    is capable of crowing.

    (b)    This section does not apply to:

        (1)    commercial poultry producers, as defined in § 8–704.2 of the Agriculture Article;

        (2)    a public school or nonpublic school that receives State funds;

        (3)    a government–operated animal shelter;

        (4)    an animal welfare organization, as defined in § 19–701 of the Business Regulation Article;

        (5)    a member of a 4–H or Future Farmers of America program if, on request of an animal control officer, an officer of a county humane society, or a police officer, the member provides in writing proof of:

            (i)    membership in a 4–H or Future Farmers of America program; and

            (ii)    authorization from the county in which the roosters are located that specifies:

                1.    the reason for keeping roosters on a property;

                2.    the number of roosters that may be kept;

                3.    the breed of each rooster that may be kept;

                4.    the duration of time each rooster may be kept; and

                5.    the address of the property where each rooster may be kept; or

        (6)    a person if, on request of an animal control officer, an officer of a county humane society, or a police officer, the person provides in writing proof that the person kept more adult hens than roosters within the immediately preceding 6–month period.

    (c)    Beginning January 1, 2027, a person who keeps roosters that are maintained individually may not keep a rooster movement–constrained through the use of an enclosure or tether.

    (d)    (1)    This section does not affect the authority of a county, municipality, or unit of local government to enact and enforce standards or requirements related to roosters that are more stringent than the requirements of this section.

        (2)    This section does not limit or supersede any other county, municipal, or State law, rule, or regulation that provides more stringent requirements regarding the keeping of roosters.

    (e)    (1)    A violation of this section is a civil offense.

        (2)    A person who violates this section is subject to:

            (i)    for a first offense, a warning;

            (ii)    for a second offense, a civil penalty of up to $500 per rooster; and

            (iii)    for a third or subsequent offense, a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per rooster.

        (3)    This section may be enforced by:

            (i)    any State or local law enforcement officer; or

            (ii)    a local animal control authority for the jurisdiction where the violation occurs.