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Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 10-607

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(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.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 10-607 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/criminal-law/md-code-crim-law-sect-10-607/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

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