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 North Dakota, cockfighting is illegal and is considered a serious offense. Under North Dakota Century Code Section 36-21.1-01, any person who engages in, instigates, promotes, conducts, or attends as a spectator at any game, exhibition, contest, or fight in which one or more animals are engaged for the purpose of injuring, killing, maiming, or destroying themselves or another animal, commits the offense of animal cruelty, which includes cockfighting. This offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, and subsequent offenses within five years may result in a Class C felony. Additionally, North Dakota law prohibits the possession of any cockfighting implements, and the training, possession, or ownership of cocks for the purpose of fighting. The state's laws against cockfighting can be found in the penal or criminal code sections of the North Dakota Century Code.