Section 10-608 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Cockfights Prohibited

(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.

ght; 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.