MD HB513

Beginning January 1, 2027, prohibits keeping a rooster that is movement-constrained through the use of an enclosure (such as a wire cage, water tank, or plastic barrel) or tether that houses one adult rooster and prevents interaction with other roosters

Exemptions apply to commercial poultry producers, public and state-funded private schools, government animal shelters, animal welfare organizations, and 4-H/Future Farmers of America members with county authorization

Persons who kept more adult hens than roosters in the preceding 6-month period are also exempt if they can provide written proof upon request by authorities

Violations are civil offenses with escalating penalties: warning for first offense, up to $500 per rooster for second offense, and up to $1,000 per rooster for third or subsequent offenses

Enforcement authority granted to state and local law enforcement officers and local animal control authorities; local governments may enact more stringent rooster-keeping requirements