Full Statute Name:  West's Annotated Code of Maryland. Natural Resources. Title 10. Wildlife. Subtitle 2c. Traveling Animal Acts.

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Primary Citation:  MD Code, Natural Resources, § 10-2C-01 Country of Origin:  United States Last Checked:  May, 2025 Alternate Citation:  MD NAT RES § 10-2C-01 Date Adopted:  2024 Historical: 
Summary: This Maryland subtitle is entitled, "Traveling Animal Acts." Covered animals include big cat species, bears, nonhuman primates, and elephants. Under this subtitle, a person may not allow for the performance of a covered animal in a traveling animal act. A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000 per violation.

§ 10-2C-01. Definitions

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

(b)(1) “Covered animal” means any of the following animals:

(i) Bear;

(ii) Cougar;

(iii) Elephant;

(iv) Jaguar;

(v) Leopard;

(vi) Lion;

(vii) Nonhuman primate; or

(viii) Tiger.

(2) “Covered animal” includes a hybrid of an animal listed under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(c) “Mobile or traveling housing facility” means a transporting vehicle, including a truck, trailer, or railway car, used to transport or house animals while traveling for an exhibition or other performance.

(d) “Performance” means any exhibition, public showing, presentation, display, exposition, fair, animal act, circus, ride, trade show, petting zoo, carnival, parade, race, or similar undertaking in which animals are required to perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment, amusement, or benefit of a live audience.

(e) “Traveling animal act” means any performance of animals for which the animals are transported in a mobile or traveling housing facility to, from, or between locations for the purpose of the performance.

Credits
Added by Acts 2024, c. 596, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 597, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.

§ 10-2C-02. Applicability

(a) This section does not apply to a performance that takes place at a nonmobile, permanent institution or other fixed facility, provided that the covered animal is not transported to the institution or facility for a period of less than 60 days for the sole purpose of a performance.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person may not allow for the performance of a covered animal in a traveling animal act.

(c) A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000 per violation.

(d) The provisions of this section may be enforced by:

(1) A State or local law enforcement officer; or

(2) The local animal control authority for the jurisdiction where the violation occurs.

Credits
Added by Acts 2024, c. 596, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 597, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.
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