All MICA students, staff, and faculty must treat animals in a humane manner when used in/as art work, and must conduct their actions in a fashion consistent with all local, state, and federal laws and codes. The Maryland State Code (Section 10-606) Aggravated Cruelty to Animals states that one may not “intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill an animal.” Cruelty is defined in the code as “the unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering caused by or allowed by an act, omission, or neglect” which includes “torture and torment.” MICA prides itself on being an exceedingly pet- and animal-friendly environment; animals of all kinds must be treated in a respectful, compassionate, and humane manner.