§ 10-608. Aggravated cruelty to animals -- Certain activities related to cockfights prohibited

MD Crim Law Code § 10-608 (2019) (N/A)
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(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.