South Carolina § 16-17-650 - Cockfighting.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-650 — Cockfighting., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-17-650. Cockfighting.
(A) A person who engages in or is present at cockfighting or game fowl fighting or illegal game fowl testing is guilty of a:
(1) misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year for a first offense; or
(2) misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years for a second or subsequent offense.
(B) For purposes of this section, "illegal game fowl testing" means allowing game fowl to engage in physical combat:
(1) with or without spurs or other artificial items while in the presence of more than five spectators;
(2) under any circumstances while employing spurs or other artificial items or with the injection or application of a stimulant substance; or
(3) for purposes of or in the presence of wagering or gambling.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(1) must be tried exclusively in summary court.
(D) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(2) is subject to the forfeiture of monies, negotiable instruments, and securities specifically gained or used to engage in or further a violation of this section pursuant to Section 16-27-55.
(E) All game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must comply with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian's regulations, policies, and procedures regarding avian influenza preparedness and testing. In the event of an avian influenza outbreak in South Carolina, all game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must allow the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian to conduct avian influenza testing of all game fowl.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 16-567; 1952 Code SECTION 16-567; 1942 Code SECTION 1445; 1932 Code SECTION 1445; Cr. C. '22 SECTION 386; Cr. C. '12 SECTION 393; Cr. C. '02 SECTION 298; R. S. 257; 1887 (19) 801; 1917 (30) 47; 2006 Act No. 345, SECTION 1, eff June 12, 2006.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-17-650
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-650 cover?
Section 16-17-650 ("Cockfighting.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 16-17-650?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-650" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 16-17-650 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.