(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.
Maryland Legal Code