Sep 13, 2007 12:37 pm US/Eastern
Md. Proposes To Strengthen Dogfighting Laws
by Mike Hellgren
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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A new report by the Humane Society says Maryland needs to strengthen the laws against it, particularly tougher punishment for those who watch the vicious fights.
AP
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A number of dogs were recovered from a suspected dogfighting ring in Severna Park, Anne Arundel County.
Dogfighting is a growing, violent problem across the state. A new report by the Humane Society says Maryland needs to strengthen the laws against it, particularly tougher punishment for those who watch the vicious fights.
Mike Hellgren reports about the problem and what's being done about it.
A number of dogs were recovered from a suspected dogfighting ring in Severna Park, Anne Arundel County.
The suspects accused of running the operation face felony charges. But the spectators who help fuel the business can only be charged with misdemeanors.
A Humane Society report ranks Maryland 40th out of the 50 states saying the laws are too lax.
Dogfighting is a vicious business, leading to devastating abuse of animals trained to kill.
Baltimore recently formed a task force to target the growing problem in the city. Those found guilty of participating will receive up to three years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The spectators, though, can only receive 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
"This has its most deep seeded roots in organized crime -- in drug dealing, in gang culture and most certainly violent crimes in this city," said Commissioner Fred Bealefed, Baltimore City Police.
There's a new push in Annapolis to create tougher laws to crack down on spectators and participants. That's a nationwide trend after football star Michael Vick's guilty plea last month to a felony charge of conspiracy stemming from a dogfighting kennel being run from a property he owned in Virginia.
"Michael Vick's case has brought to light this crime and how pervasive it really is," said Laurie Maxwell, Humane Society of the U.S. spokesperson.
In the Vick case, animal rights groups filed paperwork with a judge demanding Vick serve 57 months in jail.
In Nevada, Georgia and Idaho possession of dogs for fighting is legal. Twenty-six states charge spectators with misdemeanors only--just like Maryland.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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