Dogfighting crackdown gets lukewarm response

Maryland lawmakers said they were hesitant to toughen penalties for attending a dogfight despite urging by animal rights advocates who say the sport is rapidly infiltrating Baltimore basements.

The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday considered a proposal that would change watching an illegal dog or cockfight from a misdemeanor offense punishable by 90 days in jail to a felony with a three-year maximum sentence. Sponsor Del. James Malone, a Baltimore and Howard County Democrat, and other supporters said they hoped stricter sentences would prompt police to conduct more thorough investigations.