Yes, chicken fighting is illegal in Texas. Cockfighting has been a crime in the state since 1907, and the current statute, Texas Penal Code Section 42.105, reaches far beyond the people who stage the fights. Organizers face a state jail felony with up to two years behind bars. People who simply show up to watch can be fined up to $500 on a first offense, and more on a second.1State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 42.105 – Cockfighting
What Counts as a Cockfighting Offense
The statute defines cockfighting as any situation where one cock attacks or fights another, and “cock” covers the male of any domestic fowl species. You don’t have to be the one putting birds in the ring to be charged. Under Section 42.105, a person commits an offense by knowingly:
- Causing one cock to fight another.
- Participating in the earnings from a cockfight.
- Using or allowing someone else to use any property for cockfighting.
- Owning or training a cock with the intent that it be used in a fight.
- Making, buying, selling, possessing, or advertising fighting implements such as gaffs (steel spurs attached to a cock’s leg) or slashers (curved blades attached to the foot).
- Attending a cockfight as a spectator.
That last one surprises people. No bet, no bird, no role in the event: just being in the crowd is enough.1State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 42.105 – Cockfighting
Penalties by Level of Involvement
Texas sorts cockfighting offenses into three tiers.
State Jail Felony
Causing a cock to fight and taking a share of the earnings are both state jail felonies.1State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 42.105 – Cockfighting That means 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a possible fine of up to $10,000.2State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 12.35 – State Jail Felony Punishment
Class A Misdemeanor
Providing a location for a fight, owning or training a bird for fighting, and dealing in gaffs, slashers, or similar equipment are each Class A misdemeanors.1State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 42.105 – Cockfighting A Class A conviction carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.3State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 12.21 – Class A Misdemeanor
Class C Misdemeanor for Spectators
A first offense of attending a cockfight as a spectator is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.4State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 12.23 – Class C Misdemeanor A second spectator offense is bumped up to a Class A misdemeanor, with the full year of jail exposure and $4,000 fine. The statute carves out one exception: a spectator who is 15 or younger is not subject to the spectator offense.1State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 42.105 – Cockfighting
Federal Charges Can Stack On Top
A Texas cockfighting case can also draw federal prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act. Federal law makes it illegal to sponsor, exhibit, buy, sell, transport, or deliver any animal for an animal fighting venture, to knowingly attend a fight, or to bring anyone under 16 to one.5Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 7 U.S. Code 2156 – Animal Fighting Venture Prohibition In 2025, federal prosecutors in the Northern District of Texas secured convictions against participants in an Amarillo cockfighting ring, with defendants sentenced to federal prison. These investigations often involve the USDA, the FBI, and local law enforcement working together.
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction
The sentence isn’t the end of it. Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment from possessing firearms or ammunition.6Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 U.S. Code 922 – Unlawful Acts Because a Texas state jail felony carries up to two years, a conviction for causing a fight or sharing in the earnings triggers that federal firearm ban. A felony record can also affect employment, professional licensing, housing applications, and immigration status.
Narrow Defenses the Statute Allows
Section 42.105 recognizes a few affirmative defenses. Keeping birds solely for breeding show poultry judged on physical appearance is one. Collecting gaffs, slashers, or bridles as collector’s items is another. Neither defense is available if there’s evidence the birds were also used for fighting. The statute also protects legitimate scientific research and conduct that qualifies as generally accepted animal husbandry or agricultural practice involving livestock.1State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 42.105 – Cockfighting Staging fights doesn’t fit any of those categories, so these defenses rarely succeed in actual cockfighting cases.
Reporting a Suspected Operation
Suspected cockfighting can be reported to your local law enforcement agency or animal control. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the SPCA of Texas runs an animal cruelty investigation unit that takes tips at 214-742-7722. Outside that service area, sheriff’s offices and local police handle these complaints, and tips about large-scale or interstate operations can go to the USDA’s Office of Inspector General.