Strengthen Maryland’s Animal Fighting Laws...

MCHS Supports S.B.44 to Strengthen Maryland’s

Animal Fighting Laws...

Although Michael Vick is serving his time in prison, we must not forget that animal fighting still occurs in our community. The Montgomery County Humane Society is committed to ensuring the public health and safety of all Montgomery County citizens, their domestic pets, and the welfare of all animals.

We support (Senate Bill) S.B.44 or (House Bill) H.B.719 which will strengthen Maryland’s animal fighting law making it a felony to attend an animal fight. In a recent ranking of state dogfighting laws, Maryland ranked 40th -- in part because of its weak penalties for spectators (Humane Society of the United States).

Spectators are participants and primarily attend fights to gamble which funds these awful enterprises. When police raid an animal fight, it is challenging to differentiate between spectators, organizers, and owners. As a result, animal fighters sometimes are released with easy sentences.

Update

The Maryland Senate unanimously passed S.B. 44, that increases the state's animal fighting penalties. S.B. 44, sponsored by Sen. Norman Stone, D-Baltimore County, increases the penalty for being a knowing spectator at an animal fight to a maximum of one year in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.

The Maryland House of Delegates also unanimously passed an identical bill, H.B. 719, sponsored by Del. James Malone, D-Baltimore and Howard Counties.

The legislation received final approval by both chambers, and was sent to Governor O'Malley for his signature.

Thank you to those individuals who took the time to contact their representative to demonstrate their support of this very important legislation.

Click Here to See a List of Animal Fighting Incidents in Maryland