It’s easier to go to jail for neglecting a pet than it is for neglecting a child in Maryland, according to the office of the state’s attorney general.

Del. Galen R. Clagett, D-Frederick County, is trying to fix that, sponsoring a bill that would criminalize child neglect — as the state has done for child abuse — with a felony offense and maximum 10 years imprisonment, as well as a $10,000 fine.