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 Idaho, cockfighting is illegal and is considered a form of animal cruelty. Under Idaho Code § 25-3504, it is unlawful for any person to cause any cock to fight with another cock or to participate in any way in the fighting of cocks. The law also prohibits owning, possessing, keeping, or training any cock with the intent for it to be used in an exhibition of fighting. Additionally, being a spectator at a cockfighting event is also illegal. The penalties for engaging in cockfighting activities can include fines and imprisonment. Idaho law does not treat a first offense of cockfighting as a mere misdemeanor; rather, it is a felony offense. This reflects a strong stance against the practice and indicates that the state takes animal cruelty seriously, with significant legal consequences for those found guilty of participating in cockfighting.