30-18-9: Dog fighting and cockfighting; penalty.

A. It is unlawful for any person to cause, sponsor, arrange, hold or participate in a fight between dogs or cocks for the purpose of monetary gain or entertainment. Participation in a fight between dogs or cocks for the purpose of monetary gain or entertainment consists of an adult knowingly:

(1) being present at a dog fight without attempting to interfere with or stop the contest; or

(2) owning or equipping one of the participating dogs or cocks with knowledge of the contest.

B. It is unlawful to train, equip or sponsor a dog or cock for the purpose of having it participate in a fight with another dog or cock, respectively, for monetary gain or entertainment.

C. Any person violating the provisions of Subsection A or B of this section, as it pertains to dogs, is guilty of a fourth degree felony.

D. Any person violating the provisions of Subsection A or B of this section as it pertains to cocks:

(1) upon a first conviction, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor;

(2) upon a second conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor; and

(3) upon a third or subsequent conviction, is guilty of a fourth degree felony.