§ 10–607
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-607 (2026)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10–607LinkCopy Citation
(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.