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 Connecticut, cockfighting is illegal and considered a serious offense. Under Connecticut law, cockfighting falls under the category of animal cruelty, which is addressed in Chapter 945 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Specifically, Section 53-247 of the statutes criminalizes several acts related to animal cruelty, including cockfighting. Engaging in cockfighting, possessing birds with the intent to fight, and manufacturing, owning, or possessing cockfighting implements are all prohibited. The penalties for such offenses can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. Additionally, attending an event where cockfighting takes place is also illegal in Connecticut. The state takes these offenses seriously, and those found guilty may face significant legal consequences.