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 Vermont, cockfighting is illegal and considered a form of animal cruelty. Under Vermont's animal cruelty statutes, specifically 13 V.S.A. § 352, causing animals to fight for amusement or gain is prohibited. This includes not only engaging in cockfighting but also owning, training, or purchasing any bird for fighting. Additionally, being present at an exhibition of fighting birds is also illegal. The penalties for engaging in cockfighting activities can include fines, imprisonment, or both. Vermont law does not treat a first offense of cockfighting as a mere misdemeanor; rather, it is a serious crime that can result in significant legal consequences. Furthermore, the possession of cockfighting implements is also likely to be covered under these animal cruelty provisions, as they would be considered as tools to promote the illegal activity of animal fighting.