Amends GS 14-362 (Cockfighting) to make allowing or bringing a minor to a cockfight a Class H felony and changes the punishment for other offenses under the statute from a Class I to a Class H felony. Adds new subsection (b), which makes knowingly owning, possessing, training, buying or selling, offering to sell or buy, or transporting a gamecock for fighting another cock or animal a felony offense, punishable as a Class H felony.

Amends GS 14-362.2 (Dog fighting and baiting) to make allowing or bringing a minor to a dogfight a felony offense under subsection (a). Amends subsection (b) to add knowingly buying or selling, offering to sell or buy, or transporting a dog for fighting another dog or animal a felony offense.

Creates new GS 14-363.2A (Animal fighting paraphernalia), which defines “animal fighting paraphernalia” as equipment, products, implements, and materials of any kind that are used or designed for use in furtherance of animal fighting, and provides a non-exhaustive list of examples. Gives the court guidelines for determining whether the item is paraphernalia under the section, including prior convictions for animal fighting, direct or circumstantial evidence of the person’s intent, oral or written instructions on use, and descriptive materials accompanying the item. Makes possessing, buying or selling, or manufacturing animal fighting paraphernalia with the intent to violate animal fighting laws a Class 1 misdemeanor. Clarifies that the statute is not intended to criminalize the training of animals or possession of animal training equipment for lawful purposes.

Contains a severability clause.

Effective and applicable to offenses on or after December 1, 2025.