Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals
Section 10-608 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Cockfights Prohibited

(a)    (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.
    (b)    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)    (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.