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 Kentucky, cockfighting is illegal and is considered a misdemeanor for the first offense. This aligns with the state's stance on animal cruelty and the prohibition of blood sports involving animals. Kentucky law not only prohibits the act of cockfighting itself but also extends to the possession of cockfighting implements, the ownership, and training of cocks for fighting purposes, as well as attending events related to cockfighting. These laws are typically found within the state's penal or criminal code. It's important to note that while a first offense may be treated as a misdemeanor, repeated offenses could potentially lead to more severe penalties. Individuals involved in cockfighting activities in Kentucky could face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, and should consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to their situation.