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 Massachusetts, cockfighting is illegal and considered a form of animal cruelty. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 94, participating in cockfighting, being present at an exhibition of fighting animals, or owning, training, selling, or purchasing animals for fighting are all prohibited. The law also extends to the possession of cockfighting implements, which is also illegal. Violation of these laws can result in criminal charges, including felony charges for certain offenses related to animal fighting. The penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense and the discretion of the court. Massachusetts takes animal cruelty and related offenses seriously, and the state's statutes reflect a strong stance against activities like cockfighting.