NC S591

Upgrades cockfighting from a Class I felony to a Class H felony and adds prohibitions on buying, selling, offering to sell, or transporting cocks intended for fighting

Makes it a Class H felony to cause or allow a minor under 18 to be present at cockfighting or dog fighting/baiting exhibitions

Expands dog fighting law to prohibit buying, selling, offering to sell, or transporting dogs intended for fighting or baiting, in addition to existing prohibitions on owning, possessing, or training such dogs

Creates new Class 1 misdemeanor for possessing, buying, selling, or manufacturing animal fighting paraphernalia (including breaking sticks, cat mills, fighting pits, gaffs, slashers, and heels) with intent to facilitate animal fighting

Effective December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date