A cock is the male of any type of domestic fowl, and cockfighting is a blood sport in which two (or more) cocks are placed in a ring or confined area and encouraged to attack or fight each other. Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia—but remains legal in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Although cockfighting is illegal in all states, the potential punishment for the crime varies from state to state. In thirteen states, a first offense charge of cockfighting is a misdemeanor—including Alabama, California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. But in California, Louisiana, and New Mexico, second, third, and subsequent offenses may be prosecuted as felonies.

And some states also prohibit possession of cockfighting tools (implements) such as a gaff or slasher; ownership and training of cocks for the purpose of cockfighting; and attending cockfighting events.
Cockfighting laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—and usually in the state’s penal or criminal code.

In Maine, cockfighting is illegal and considered a serious crime. Under Maine's criminal statutes, specifically Title 17, Chapter 42, Section 1031, any person who engages in, promotes, or is connected to the activity of cockfighting can face criminal charges. This includes owning, possessing, keeping, or training any bird for the purpose of engaging in a cockfight. Additionally, it is illegal to possess any paraphernalia associated with cockfighting, such as gaffs or slashers. The penalties for cockfighting offenses in Maine can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and the severity of the punishment depends on the specifics of the offense, including whether it is a first or subsequent violation. Attending a cockfighting event is also prohibited and subject to legal penalties. Maine's strong stance against cockfighting reflects the broader national trend of treating cockfighting as a significant animal welfare and criminal issue.