Maryland Statutes
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.

Structure Maryland Statutes

Maryland Statutes

Criminal Law

Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities

Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals

Section 10-601 - Definitions

Section 10-602 - Legislative Intent

Section 10-603 - Application of 10-601 Through 10-608 and 10-626

Section 10-604 - Abuse or Neglect of Animal

Section 10-605 - Attending Dogfights or Cockfights

Section 10-606 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- in General

Section 10-607 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Dogfights Prohibited

Section 10-607.1 - Implement of Dogfighting

Section 10-608 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Cockfights Prohibited

Section 10-609 - Arrest by Humane Society Officer

Section 10-610 - Animal as Prize

Section 10-611 - Killing of Dog or Cat -- Prohibited Means

Section 10-612 - Abandoning Domestic Animal

Section 10-613 - Sale of Puppy or Kitten

Section 10-614 - Transfer or Coloring of Chick

Section 10-615 - Care of Mistreated Animal

Section 10-616 - Kennel Inspection

Section 10-617 - Disposal of Domestic Animal

Section 10-618 - Poisoning Dog

Section 10-619 - Dangerous Dog

Section 10-620 - Interference With Race Horse

Section 10-621 - Import, Offer, or Transfer of Dangerous Animal

Section 10-622 - Injuring or Trapping Carrier Pigeon

Section 10-623 - Leaving Dogs Outside and Unattended by Use of Restraints

Section 10-624 - Unauthorized Surgery on Dogs

Section 10-625 - Unauthorized Surgical Devocalization of Cat or Dog

Section 10-626 - Killing or Harming Service Animals -- Punishment