1. (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.

2. (b) A person may not:

   1. (1) use or allow a dog to be used in a dogfight or for baiting;
   2. (2) arrange or conduct a dogfight;
   3. (3) possess, own, sell, transport, or train a dog with the intent to use the dog in a dogfight or for baiting; or
   4. (4) knowingly allow premises under the person's ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a dogfight or for baiting.

3. (c)

   1. (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. (2) As a condition of sentencing, the court may:

      1. (i) order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:

         1. 1. participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
         2. 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
      2. (ii) prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2004, c. 120, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2004; Acts 2004, c. 121, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2004; Acts 2013, c. 44, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2013; Acts 2018, c. 238, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2018; Acts 2019, c. 61, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019; Acts 2019, c. 62, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019.

Formerly Art. 27, § 59.