What is Abuse & Neglect?
Abuse
A person is guilty of animal abuse if they intentionally
kill, injure or cause suffering to an animal. A person
is also guilty of abuse if they knowingly fail to provide
adequate care or adequate control of an animal in their
care.
If this is the first time that the person has been
guilty of Animal Abuse, it is a Class A misdemeanor,
punishable by a maximum of a one-year jail sentence
and/or a $1000 fine.
If this is not the first time that the person has been
guilty of Animal Abuse, it is a Class D felony, punishable
by a maximum of a five-year jail sentence and/or a $5000
fine.
Neglect
A person is guilty of animal neglect if they fail to
provide adequate care or adequate control of an animal,
resulting in substantial harm to that animal.
Animal neglect is a class C misdemeanor punishable
by a maximum 15-day jail term and/or a fine not to exceed
$500.
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Welfare
