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 Washington (WA), cockfighting is illegal and considered a serious crime. Under Washington law, RCW 16.52.117 specifically addresses animal fighting and prohibits owning, training, promoting, conducting, or participating in any way in an animal fighting exhibition. This includes cockfighting. The law also makes it illegal to possess any paraphernalia used in training animals to fight. Violation of these laws can result in significant penalties, including felony charges for certain offenses related to animal fighting. Additionally, attending an animal fight as a spectator is also illegal in Washington. The state takes a strong stance against animal cruelty and activities that promote violence against animals, such as cockfighting.