The House unanimously approved a a bill today stiffening the penalty for attending a dogfight or cockfight. HB 719, sponsored by Del. James Malone, a Baltimore County Democrat, makes being a spectator at an illegal animal fight punishable by up to a year in prison or a fine up to $2,500, or both. The current penalty is up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

The Senate last week passed an identical bill, SB 44, sponsored by Sen. Norman Stone, also a Baltimore County Democrat. Both bills originally proposed to make attending a dog- or cockfight a felony, with maximum penalties of three years' prison and $5,000 fine, but the punishment was downgraded before final passage.

The Human Socity of the United States issued a statement saying it was disappointed that Maryland lawmakers wouldn't match the dogfighting penalty already on the books in 19 other states, including neighboring Pennsylvania, but thanking lawmakers nonetheless for toughening the law.