2013 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL LAW
§ 10-607 - Aggravated cruelty to animals -- Certain activities related to dogfights prohibited [Effective until October 1, 2013]

§10-607.

(a) A person may not:

(1) use or allow a dog to be used in a dogfight;

(2) arrange or conduct a dogfight;

(3) possess, own, sell, transport, or train a dog with the intent to use the dog in a dogfight; or

(4) knowingly allow premises under the person’s ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a dogfight.

(b) (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

(2) As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to participate in and pay for psychological counseling.

§ 10-607 - Aggravated cruelty to animals -- Certain activities related to dogfights prohibited [Effective October 1, 2013].

(a) "Baiting" defined. -- In this section, "baiting" means using a dog to train a fighting dog or to test the fighting or killing instinct of another dog.

(b) Prohibited activities. -- A person may not:

(1) use or allow a dog to be used in a dogfight or for baiting;

(2) arrange or conduct a dogfight;

(3) possess, own, sell, transport, or train a dog with the intent to use the dog in a dogfight or for baiting; or

(4) knowingly allow premises under the person's ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a dogfight or for baiting.

(c) Penalty. --

(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 5,000 or both.

(2) As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to participate in and pay for psychological counseling.