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 Virginia, cockfighting is illegal and is considered a serious crime. Under Virginia Code Section 3.2-6571, any person who engages in cockfighting, permits cockfighting on premises under their control, is present at a cockfighting location as a spectator, or possesses, trains, transports, or sells any cock for the purpose of cockfighting is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can be prosecuted as felonies. Additionally, Virginia law prohibits the possession of cockfighting implements, such as knives or gaffs designed to be attached to the legs of a cock. The state takes the issue of animal cruelty seriously, and these laws reflect Virginia's commitment to preventing and punishing the cruel and inhumane practice of cockfighting.