Cockfighting Legal States 2024

No, there are no states in the country where cockfighting is legal. This is not an issue that was passed by the federal government, but gradually, every state began to outlaw this practice. Now, every state in the country has a law on its books saying that cockfighting is illegal.

There are some parts of the country that banned this practice very quickly, but there are other states that were a bit slower to respond. The last date in the country to make cockfighting illegal was the state of Louisiana, which banned the practice in 2007. Since 2007, every state in the country has outlawed cockfighting. Cockfighting is also illegal in Washington DC.

Is Cockfighting Allowed on U.S. Soil?

Even though every state has outlawed cockfighting, there are some areas in the United States where it is legal. Notably, there are a few territories that continue to allow cock fighting within their borders. For example, if you take a trip to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, you will find that cockfighting is legal, even though it does not happen very often.

There are a few other places where cockfighting is legal as well, such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Again, even though it is legal in these locations, it is not that common. A lot of people are not comfortable with the practice, so cockfighting is still largely something that is underground in these areas.

Why Is Cockfighting Illegal in the United States?

There are a number of reasons why cockfighting was outlawed in the United States, but the biggest reason is that many people believe it is animal cruelty. In cockfighting, multiple roosters are forced to fight against one another. Usually, this is a fight that goes on until death.

Today, it is important for people to treat animals with compassion, and that is definitely something that does not happen with cockfighting. Just as people cannot force dogs or cats to fight, people should not be allowed to force other animals to fight. That is why every state across the country gradually outlawed cockfighting. If cockfighting was more common in the US territories, there might be a greater push to make it illegal in those areas as well.

What is the Penalty for Cockfighting in the United States?

The penalty for cockfighting in the United States can vary significantly depending on where you are located. Someone who is cockfighting is almost guaranteed to be given a fine, but there are some situations where someone who is cockfighting might get jail time as well. There are a number of factors that will play a role in the punishment. The person's prior criminal record, the number of people involved, the number of animals involved, and the location of the cockfight will all play a role in deciding the punishment. It is better for someone to avoid cockfighting at all, given the potential penalties and morality of it.