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