The Texas Cockfighting law allows police to arrest you if they believe that you caused a cock (meaning a male fowl of any kind) to fight with another cock, or owned a property where cockfighting was allowed, or participated in gambling on cockfighting, owned or trained a cock to fight, owned equipment that would be used in cockfighting, or attended a cockfight
FAQs about the
Cockfighting law in Texas
- What is the current Texas law about Cockfighting?
- What is the penalty for a Texas Cockfighting offense?
- How can I be charged with a Cockfighting offense in Texas?
- What is the statute of limitations for Cockfighting in Texas?
- Can you get probation for Cockfighting in Texas?
- What level of crime is Cockfighting in Texas?
We mostly see these cases prosecuted as a result of a well-coordinated sting. Typically, mass arrests will follow the sting operation.
Have you been charged with Cockfighting? Contact us today to discuss legal representation.
or Text or Call (469) 422-7248
The Texas Legislature codified this criminal offense in Texas Penal Code Section 42.105. The Legislature did not update this law in 2025. In fact, this law has not been amended since 2011.
The Penal Code classifies the Texas Cockfighting law under Title 9 “Offenses Against Public Order and Decency,” Chapter 42 “Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses.” Learn more about the Texas offense of Cockfighting below.
What is the current Texas law about Cockfighting?
Texas Penal Code §42.105 currently defines Cockfighting as follows:[1]
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:
(1) causes a cock to fight with another cock;
(2) participates in the earnings of a cockfight;
(3) uses or permits another to use any real estate, building, room, tent, arena, or other property for cockfighting;
(4) owns or trains a cock with the intent that the cock be used in an exhibition of cockfighting;
(5) manufactures, buys, sells, barters, exchanges, possesses, advertises, or otherwise offers a gaff, slasher, or other sharp implement designed for attachment to a cock with the intent that the implement be used in cockfighting; or
(6) attends as a spectator an exhibition of cockfighting.
What is the penalty for a Texas Cockfighting offense?
If the offense falls under subsection (b)(3), (4) or (5), or if the actor has been previously convicted of a (b)(6) violation, then a conviction for Cockfighting in Texas is punished as a Class A misdemeanor,[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $4,000 and jail time of up to 1 year.
If the offense falls under subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2), then a conviction for Cockfighting in Texas is punished as a state jail felony,[3] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $10,000 and state jail time of up to two years.
If the offense falls under subsection (b)(6), and it is a first conviction under that subsection, then a conviction for Cockfighting in Texas is punished as a Class C misdemeanor,[4] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $500.
How can I be charged with a Cockfighting offense in Texas?
You can be charged with Cockfighting in Texas if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of §42.105(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6), as described in the section above has been met.
What is the statute of limitations for Cockfighting in Texas?
Misdemeanor level Cockfighting charges have a two-year limitations period.[5] Felony level offenses follow the default felony limitations period rule, which specifies a three-year limitations period.[6]
Can you get probation for Cockfighting in Texas?
Yes. Probation is generally available for Cockfighting in Texas. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure allows both judges and juries to grant community supervision, commonly called probation, for Cockfighting, and judges may also grant deferred adjudication community supervision.[7]
However, important restrictions apply. Neither a judge nor a jury may grant community supervision if the imposed term of imprisonment exceeds 10 years.[8] Additionally, a judge may not grant community supervision after a conviction if (1) the defendant used or exhibited a deadly weapon during the commission of the felony or immediate flight thereafter and (2) the defendant used or exhibited the deadly weapon himself or was a party to the offense and knew that a deadly weapon would be used or exhibited.[9]
What level of crime is Cockfighting in Texas?
The Cockfighting offense is classified as either a Class C misdemeanor, a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony, depending on the circumstances.
Learn more about the penalty range for this offense in the section above.
Legal References compiled by attorney Paul Saputo:
