{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-608","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Criminal Law § 10–608","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) In this section, “implement of cockfighting” means any implement or device intended or designed:\n(i) to enhance the fighting ability of a fowl, cock, or other bird; or\n(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.\n(2) “Implement of cockfighting” includes:\n(i) a gaff;\n(ii) a slasher;\n(iii) a postiza;\n(iv) a sparring muff; and\n(v) any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a gamecock or other fighting bird.\n(b) A person may not:\n(1) use or allow the use of a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another animal;\n(2) possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of cockfighting;\n(3) arrange or conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird;\n(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\n(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.\n(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.\n(2) As a condition of sentencing, the court may:\n(i) order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:\n1. participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and\n2. 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\n(ii) prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.","path":["Article - Criminal Law"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr\u0026section=10-608","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:57:08Z","sha256":"730e4ec561607a42897067da5abe8622c24eef23f93bd0d5a370129b32855032","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-607.1","next":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-10-608.1"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}