{"id":387118,"date":"2025-11-28T14:18:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T19:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=387118"},"modified":"2025-11-28T14:07:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T19:07:35","slug":"animal-cruelty-charges","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/animal-cruelty-charges.html","title":{"rendered":"Animal Cruelty Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Animal Cruelty Charges<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Animal cruelty<\/span> laws<\/span> make it illegal to intentionally harm or neglect an animal. This includes direct abuse like torture or fighting, as well as forms of neglect such as failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or necessary veterinary care<\/span>. These offenses are taken seriously in every state and can result in criminal charges<\/span> ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, a ban on owning animals, and prison time.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On October 10, 2025, California<\/span>\u2019s governor signed a bill prohibiting the declawing of cats except in medically necessary cases. This is one of several animal cruelty<\/span> laws<\/span> passed throughout the United States in recent years.<\/p>\n

Cruelty to animals<\/span> has become a focus of criminal <\/span>law<\/span> enforcement<\/span> actions over the past few decades. Animals play a vital role in society as pets, livestock, and companions. However, they are still considered property under the law, so\u00a0animal cruelty<\/span> laws<\/span>\u00a0and animal rights have progressed by fits and starts throughout history.<\/p>\n

Today, all 50 states have laws regarding the humane treatment of domestic animals, pets, and wildlife. Mistreatment of animals can result in serious criminal penalties, although not as severe as those for crimes against human beings<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is Animal Cruelty<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Animal cruelty<\/span> is the intentional mistreatment of any animal. Acts of <\/span>animal cruelty<\/span> can include neglect, hoarding situations, and poor animal husbandry<\/span> practices. Let\u2019s examine each one.<\/p>\n

Neglect<\/h3>\n

The broad category of neglect can include:<\/p>\n