2022 Maryland Statutes
Criminal Law
Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals
Section 10-607.1 - Implement of Dogfighting
(a) (1) In this section, “implement of dogfighting” means an implement, an object, a device, or a drug intended or designed:
(i) to enhance the fighting ability of a dog; or
(ii) for use in a deliberately conducted event that uses a dog to fight with another dog.
(2) “Implement of dogfighting” includes:
(i) a breaking stick designed for insertion behind the molars of a dog to break the dog’s grip on another animal or object;
(ii) a cat mill that rotates around a central support with one arm designed to secure a dog and one arm designed to secure a cat, rabbit, or other small animal beyond the grasp of the dog;
(iii) a springpole that has a biting surface attached to a stretchable device, suspended at a height sufficient to prevent an animal from reaching the biting surface while touching the ground;
(iv) a fighting pit or other confined area designed to contain a dogfight;
(v) a breeding stand or rape stand used to immobilize female dogs for breeding purposes; and
(vi) any other instrument or device that is commonly used in the training for, in the preparation for, in the conditioning for, in the breeding for, in the conducting of, or otherwise in furtherance of a dogfight.
(b) A person may not possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of dogfighting.
(c) (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days 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 participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
(ii) prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.
(3) Each implement of dogfighting possessed in violation of this section is a separate offense.
