Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10-607
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10-607
in effect(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.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=10-607&enactments=falseFetched: 10/16/2026