The HSUS Praises Maryland Senators for Unanimously Passing Bill to Increase Animal Fighting Penalties

February 21, 2008

The HSUS Urges House of Delegates to Pass Similar Legislation

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Humane Society of the United States applauded the Maryland Senate for passing S.B. 44, legislation that aims to increase 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 and/or a $2,500 fine.

The HSUS now urges the Maryland House of Delegates to pass S.B. 44's companion bill, H.B. 719, which is sponsored by Del. James Malone, D-Baltimore and Howard Counties. The bill is currently in committee and its proponents are awaiting a vote.

In an HSUS ranking of the nation's state dogfighting laws, Maryland ranked at a low 40th, in part because of its low penalties for spectators (90 days and/or a $1,000 fine). S.B. 44 and H.B. 719 target those who willingly attend an organized animal fight by increasing penalties for spectators.

Spectators of animal fights are willing participants in this crime, and also perpetuate it by paying admission fees and wagering on the fights. Under current law, participants could claim they were only present at an animal fight as spectators, thereby avoiding any meaningful punishment.

In 2007, Congress upgraded the federal penalties for illegal animal fighting, with U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., leading the way. The federal Farm Bill currently under consideration in Congress includes a provision to further crack down on dogfighting and the possession of fighting dogs.

For more information about animal fighting, visit humanesociety.org/animalfighting.

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