Maryland · Maryland Code — Criminal Law Article
Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-625: - 457 - (a) (1) “Devocalize” means to perform a surgical procedure involving cutting, notching, punching, abrading, lasering, suturing, or otherwise physically altering the vocal apparatus of a dog or cat with the intent of altering, reducing, or eliminating vocal sounds produced by the animal
What this law says, in plain English
A person may not surgically devocalize a dog or cat except when a licensed veterinarian performs the procedure under anesthesia for medical necessity. Violation is a misdemeanor with penalties up to 90 days imprisonment or $1,000 fine for first offense; up to one year or $2,000 for subsequent offenses. Declawing cats is a civil violation subject to fines up to $1,000.
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