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 Delaware, cockfighting is illegal and considered to be animal cruelty. The state's laws on animal cruelty encompass a range of activities, including owning, possessing, keeping, or training any animal for the purpose of engaging in animal fighting. This would include cockfighting. Under Delaware law, animal fighting is a class F felony for a first offense and a class E felony for any subsequent offenses. Additionally, being a spectator at an animal fight is also illegal and is classified as a class A misdemeanor. Delaware's statutes on these matters can be found in Title 11 of the Delaware Code, which deals with crimes and criminal procedure, specifically addressing animal fighting and baiting within the section on offenses against public health, order, and decency.