§ 10–608
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 10-608 (2026)
Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 6. Crimes Relating to Animals
§ 10–608LinkCopy Citation
(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.