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2017 Maryland Code
Criminal Law
Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10-608. Aggravated cruelty to animals -- Certain activities related to cockfights prohibited
Universal Citation: MD Crim Law Code § 10-608 (2017)
- (a) "Implement of cockfighting" defined. --
- (1) In this section, "implement of cockfighting" means any implement or device intended or designed:
- (i) to enhance the fighting ability of a fowl, cock, or other bird; or
- (ii) for use in a deliberately conducted event that uses a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another fowl, cock, or other bird.
- (2) "Implement of cockfighting" includes:
- (i) a gaff;
- (ii) a slasher;
- (iii) a postiza;
- (iv) a sparring muff; and
- (v) any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a gamecock or other fighting bird.
- (1) In this section, "implement of cockfighting" means any implement or device intended or designed:
- (b) Prohibited acts. -- A person may not:
- (1) use or allow the use of a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another animal;
- (2) possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of cockfighting;
- (3) arrange or conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird;
- (4) possess, own, sell, transport, or train a fowl, cock, or other bird with the intent to use the fowl, cock, or other bird in a cockfight; or
- (5) knowingly allow premises under the person's ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird.
- (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.
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