Not knowing the legal definition of 'dog fighting', I'd hazard at this combination: Felony?: Abuse of Animals Felony?: Illegal Gambling (on those animals) Felony?: Conspiracy to commit both acts above This all assumes no interstate commerce, which would bring the Feds in. So I see no reason to argue about this. I can probably come up with a half dozen misdemeanor crimes as well - all related to the central issue (dog fighting). And, while ignorance is no excuse, there's NOBODY outside of Appalachia that doesn't know about dog fighting being a serious crime now.