Cockfighting could be a felony in home of fighting Gamecocks COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a state where the flagship university’s mascot is a fighting gamecock, some legislators are trying to toughen the penalties for cockfighting, which is illegal in all 50 states. Currently a misdemeanor in South Carolina, the crime would become a felony on second and subsequent convictions under legislation considered Wednesday by a Senate panel, punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and five years in prison. Animal-rights activists say cockfighting is cruel, a haven for gambling and drug use and desensitizes children in attendance to violence.