2022 Maryland Statutes
Criminal Law
Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals
Section 10-607 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Dogfights Prohibited

    (a)    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)    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)    (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:

            (i)    order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:

                1.    participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and

                2.    pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant; and

            (ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.