Misty’s Top Ten (plus one) Not-So-Useless Facts on: Animal Rights Laws Across the U.S. Part V

Here it is…the final installment on Animal Rights Laws Across the U.S. Below are the final eleven states and their laws regarding animal cruelty. I am aware that this is A LOT of reading and information to take in, but it is valuable information that so many are not aware of. Please take your time, bookmark the page, come back as often as you need to, this information is good information to have!
South Carolina – CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA 1976
TITLE 47. ANIMALS, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY
CHAPTER 1. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
§ 47-1-40. Ill-treatment of animals generally.
(A) Whoever overloads, overdrives, overworks, or ill-treats any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance or shelter, or inflicts unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal, or causes these things to be done, for every offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by imprisonment not exceeding sixty days or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than four hundred dollars for a first offense; by imprisonment not exceeding ninety days or by a fine not exceeding eight hundred dollars, or both, for a second offense; or by imprisonment not exceeding two years or by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, or both, for a third or subsequent offense. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a first offense under this subsection shall be tried in magistrate’s court.
(B) Whoever tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal or causes the acts to be done for any of the offenses is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by imprisonment of not less than one hundred eighty days and not to exceed two years and by a fine of five thousand dollars.
(C) This section does not apply to fowl, accepted animal husbandry practices of farm operations, the training of animals, the practice of veterinary medicine, or activity authorized by Title 50.
South Dakota – SOUTH DAKOTA CODIFIED LAWS
TITLE 9. MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 9-29. GENERAL POLICE POWERS AND VIOLATIONS
9-29-11 Cruelty to animals.
Every municipality shall have power to prohibit and punish cruelty to animals.
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TITLE 40. ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK
CHAPTER 40-1. CRUELTY, ABUSE AND INJURY TO ANIMALS
40-1-1 Definition of terms.
Terms used in chapters 40-1 and 40-2, mean:
(1) “Abandonment,” giving up with the intent of never again regaining one’s interests in, or rights to, an animal other than placing ownership with a responsible party;
(2) “Animal,” any mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or fish, except humans;
(3) “Board,” the South Dakota animal industry board;
(4) “Captive wild animal,” any wild animal held in man-made
confinement or physically altered to limit movement and facilitate capture;
(5) “Domestic animal,” any animal that through long association with man, has been bred to a degree which has resulted in genetic changes affecting the temperament, color, conformation or other attributes of the species to an extent that makes it unique and different from wild individuals of its kind;
(6) “Exotic animal,” any animal not occurring naturally in the United States either currently or historically;
(7) “Impoundment,” taking physical control and custody of an animal;
(8) “Non-domestic animal,” any animal that is not domestic;
(9) “Other livestock,” any agricultural or commercial animal owned, bred or raised for profit, but not including dogs, cats, rabbits or other household pets;
(10) “Wild animal,” any animal not in captivity, other than a domestic animal; and
(11) “Zoological animal,” any animal in any zoo or intended to be used in a zoo.
40-1-2. Overwork, torture, starving or cruelty to animal prohibit ed.
40-1-2.2 Mistreatment, torture or cruelty of animals defined.
For the purposes of this chapter and chapter 40-2, the mistreatment, torture or cruelty of an animal is any act or omission whereby unnecessary, unjustifiable or unreasonable physical pain or suffering is caused, permitted or allowed to continue including acts of mutilation.
40-1-2.3 Neglect defined.
For the purposes of this chapter and chapter 40-2, the neglect of an animal is the failure to provide food, water, protection from the elements, adequate sanitation, adequate facilities or care generally considered to be standard and accepted for an animal’s health and well-being consistent with the species, breed, physical condition and type of animal.
40-1-2.4 Inhumane treatment defined.
For the purposes of this chapter and chapter 40-2, the inhumane treatment of an animal is any act of mistreatment, torture, cruelty, neglect, abandonment, mutilation or inhumane slaughter of an animal that is not consistent with generally accepted training, use and husbandry procedures for the species, breed, physical condition and type of animal.
Tennessee – TENNESSEE CODE
TITLE 39 CRIMINAL OFFENSES
CHAPTER 14 OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
Part 2– Animals
39-14-201. Definitions for animal offenses
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) “Animal” means a domesticated living creature or a wild creature previously captured;
(2) “Livestock” means all equine as well as animals which are being raised primarily for use as food or fiber for human utilization or consumption including, but not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry;
(3) “Non-livestock animal” means a pet normally maintained in or near the household or households of its owner or owners, other domesticated animal, previously captured wildlife, an exotic animal, or any other pet, including but not limited to, pet rabbits, a pet chick, duck, or pot bellied pig that is not classified as “livestock” pursuant to this part; and
(4) “Torture” means every act, omission, or neglect whereby unreasonable physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted, but nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting the shooting of birds or game for the purpose of human food or the use of animate targets by incorporated gun clubs.
39-14-202. Cruelty to animals
(a) A person commits an offense who intentionally or knowingly:
(1) Tortures, maims or grossly overworks an animal;
(2) Fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter for an animal in the person’s custody;
(3) Abandons unreasonably an animal in the person’s custody;
(4) Transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner; or
(5) Inflicts burns, cuts, lacerations, or other injuries or pain, by any method, including blistering compounds, to the legs or hooves of horses in order to make them sore for any purpose including, but not limited to, competition in horse shows and similar events.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was engaged in accepted veterinary practices, medical treatment by the owner or with the owner’s consent, or bona fide experimentation for scientific research.
(c) Whenever any person is taken into custody by any officer for violation of subdivision (a)(4), the officer may take charge of the vehicle or conveyance, and its contents, used by the person to transport the animal. The officer shall deposit these items in a safe place for custody. Any necessary expense incurred for taking charge of and sustaining the same shall be a lien thereon, to be paid before the same can lawfully be recovered; or the expenses, or any part thereof, remaining unpaid may be recovered by the person incurring the same of the owners of the animal in an action therefor.
(d) In addition to the penalty imposed in subsection (f), the court making the sentencing determination for a person convicted under this section shall order the person convicted to surrender custody and forfeit the animal or animals whose treatment was the basis of the conviction. Custody shall be given to a humane society incorporated under the laws of this state. The court may prohibit the person convicted from having custody of other animals for any period of time the court determines to be reasonable, or impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person’s custody of animals as necessary for the protection of the animals.
(e) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the owner of a farm animal or someone acting with the consent of the owner of such animal from engaging in usual and customary practices which are accepted by colleges of agriculture or veterinary medicine with respect to such animal.
(2) It is an offense for a person other than a law enforcement officer acting with probable cause to knowingly interfere with the performance of any such agricultural practices permitted by subdivision (e)(1).
(3) An offense under subdivision (e)(2) is a Class B misdemeanor.
(f) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
39-14-212. Aggravated cruelty to animals — Definitions — Construction — Penalty
(a) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals when, with aggravated cruelty and with no justifiable purpose, such person intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious physical injury to a companion animal.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Aggravated cruelty” means conduct which is done or carried out in a depraved and sadistic manner and which tortures or maims an animal;
(2) “Companion animal” means any non-livestock animal as defined in § 39-14-201(3);
(3) “Elderly” means any person sixty-five (65) years of age or older; and
(4) “Minor” means any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
(c) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not be construed to prohibit or interfere with the following endeavors:
(1) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to change, modify, or amend any provision of title 70, involving fish and wildlife;
(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to activities or conduct that are prohibited by § 39-14-203;
(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to equine animals or to animals defined as livestock by the provisions of § 39-14-201;
(4) Dispatching an animal in any manner absent of aggravated cruelty;
(5) Engaging in lawful hunting, trapping, or fishing activities, including activities commonly associated with the hunting of small game as defined in § 70-1-101(a)(34);
(6) Dispatching rabid or diseased animals;
(7) Dispatching animals posing a clear and immediate threat to human safety;
(8) Performing or conducting bona fide scientific tests, experiments or investigations within or for a bona fide research laboratory, facility or institution;
(9) Performing accepted veterinary medical practices or treatments;
(10) Dispatching animals in accordance with § 44-17-403(e);
(11) Engaging, with the consent of the owner of a farm animal, in usual and customary practices which are accepted by colleges of agriculture or veterinary medicine with respect to such animal;
(12) Dispatching wild or abandoned animals on a farm or residential real property; or
(13) Applying methods and equipment used to train animals.
(d) (1) A first-time conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals is a Class A misdemeanor.
(2) Any subsequent conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals is a Class E felony.
(e) In addition to the penalty imposed by subsection (d), the sentencing court may order the defendant to surrender custody and forfeit all companion animals as defined in subdivision (b)(2), and may award custody of such animals to the agency presenting the case. The court may prohibit the defendant from having custody of other animals for any period of time the court determines to be reasonable, or impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person’s custody of animals as is necessary for the protection of the animals.
(f) In addition to the penalty imposed by subsection (d), the court may require the defendant to undergo psychological evaluation and counseling, the cost to be borne by the defendant. If the defendant is indigent, the court may, where practicable, direct the defendant to locate and enroll in a counseling or treatment program with an appropriate agency.
(g) If a defendant convicted of a violation of this section resides in a household with minor children or elderly individuals, the court may, within fifteen (15) days, send notification of the conviction to the appropriate protective agencies.
(h) In addition to the penalty imposed by subsection (d), the defendant may be held liable to the impounding officer or agency for all costs of impoundment from the time of seizure to the time of proper disposition of the case.
(i) In addition to the penalty imposed by subsection (d), the defendant may be held liable to the owner of the animal for damages.
(j) If a juvenile is found to be within the court’s jurisdiction, for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal violation involving cruelty to animals or would be a criminal violation involving arson, then the court may order that the juvenile be evaluated to determine the need for psychiatric or psychological treatment. If the court determines that psychiatric or psychological treatment is appropriate for that juvenile, then the court may order that treatment.
(k) This section does not preclude the court from entering any other order of disposition allowed under this chapter.
Texas – TEXAS STATUTES AND CODES
PENAL CODE
TITLE 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY
CHAPTER 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES
§ 42.09. Cruelty to Animals
(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
(1) tortures an animal;
(2) fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, care, or shelter for
an animal in the person’s custody;
(3) abandons unreasonably an animal in the person’s custody;
(4) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;
(5) kills, seriously injures, or administers poison to an animal, other
than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or goats, belonging to another
without legal authority or the owner’s effective consent;
(6) causes one animal to fight with another;
(7) uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog
coursing on a racetrack;
(8) trips a horse;
(9) injures an animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or
goats, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner’s
effective consent; or
(10) seriously overworks an animal.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor was engaged in bona fide experimentation for scientific research.
(c) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Abandon” includes abandoning an animal in the person’s custody
without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by
another person.
(2) “Animal” means a domesticated living creature and wild living
creature previously captured. “Animal” does not include an uncaptured
wild creature or a wild creature whose capture was accomplished by
conduct at issue under this section.
(3) “Cruel manner” includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified
or unwarranted pain or suffering.
(4) “Custody” includes responsibility for the health, safety, and
welfare of an animal subject to the person’s care and control,
regardless of ownership of the animal.
(5) “Necessary food, care, or shelter” includes food, care, or shelter
provided to the extent required to maintain the animal in a state of
good health.
(6) “Trip” means to use an object to cause a horse to fall or lose its
balance.
(d) An offense under Subsection (a)(2), (3), (4), (9), or (10) is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a state jail felony if the person has previously been convicted two times under this section.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(5) that the animal was discovered on the person’s property in the act of or immediately after injuring or killing the person’s goats, sheep, cattle, horses, swine, or poultry and that the person killed or injured the animal at the time of this discovery.
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(8) that the actor tripped the horse for the purpose of identifying the ownership of the horse or giving veterinary care to the horse.
NOTICE: FIRST OF TWO VERSIONS OF SUBSEC. (g)
As added by Acts 2001, ch. 54, § 3.
(g) It is a defense to prosecution for an offense under this section that the person had a reasonable fear of bodily injury to the person or to another by a dangerous wild animal as defined by Section 822.101, Health and Safety Code.
NOTICE: SECOND OF TWO VERSIONS OF SUBSEC. (g)
As added by Acts 2001, ch. 450, § 1.
(g) An offense under Subsection (a)(1), (5), (6), (7), or (8) is a state jail felony, except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the person has previously been convicted two times under this section.
(h) It is an exception to the application of this section that the conduct engaged in by the actor is a generally accepted and otherwise lawful:
(1) use of an animal if that use occurs solely for the purpose of:
(A) fishing, hunting, or trapping; or
(B) wildlife control as regulated by state and federal law; or
(2) animal husbandry or farming practice involving livestock.
Utah – UTAH CODE, 1953
TITLE 76. CRIMINAL CODE
CHAPTER 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY
PART 3. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
§ 76-9-301. Cruelty to animals
(1) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals if the person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
(a) fails to provide necessary food, care, or shelter for an animal in his custody;
(b) abandons an animal in the person’s custody;
(c) transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner;
(d) injures an animal;
(e) causes any animal, not including a dog, to fight with another animal of like kind for amusement or gain; or
(f) causes any animal, including a dog, to fight with a different kind of animal or creature for amusement or gain.
(2) A violation of Subsection (1) is:
(a) a class B misdemeanor if committed intentionally or knowingly; and
(b) a class C misdemeanor if committed recklessly or with criminal negligence.
(3) A person is guilty of aggravated cruelty to an animal if the person:
(a) tortures an animal;
(b) administers poison or poisonous substances to an animal without having a legal privilege to do so;
(c) kills or causes to be killed an animal without having a legal privilege to do so.
(4) A violation of Subsection (3) is:
(a) a class A misdemeanor if committed intentionally or knowingly;
(b) a class B misdemeanor if committed recklessly; and
(c) a class C misdemeanor if committed with criminal negligence.
(5) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the conduct of the actor towards the animal was:
(a) by a licensed veterinarian using accepted veterinary practice;
(b) directly related to bona fide experimentation for scientific research, provided that if the animal is to be destroyed, the manner employed will not be unnecessarily cruel unless directly necessary to the veterinary purpose or scientific research involved;
(c) permitted under Section 18-1-3;
(d) by a person who humanely destroys any animal found suffering past recovery for any useful purpose; or
(e) by a person who humanely destroys any apparently abandoned animal found on the person’s property.
(6) For purposes of Subsection (5)(d), before destroying the suffering animal, the person who is not the owner of the animal shall obtain:
(a) the judgment of a veterinarian of the animal’s nonrecoverable condition;
(b) the judgment of two other persons called by the person to view the unrecoverable condition of the animal in the person’s presence;
(c) the consent from the owner of the animal to the destruction of the animal; or
(d) a reasonable conclusion that the animal’s suffering is beyond recovery, through the person’s own observation, if the person is in a location or circumstance where the person is unable to contact another person.
(7) This section does not affect or prohibit the training, instruction, and grooming of animals, so long as the methods used are in accordance with accepted husbandry practices.
(8) (a) This section does not affect or prohibit the use of an electronic locating or training collar by the owner of an animal for the purpose of lawful animal training, lawful hunting practices, or protecting against loss of that animal.
(b) County and municipal governments may not prohibit the use of an electronic locating or training collar.
(9) Upon conviction under this section, the court may in its discretion, in addition to other penalties:
(a) order the defendant to be evaluated to determine the need for psychiatric or psychological counseling, to receive counseling as the court determines to be appropriate, and to pay the costs of the evaluation and counseling;
(b) require the defendant to forfeit any rights the defendant has to the animal subjected to a violation of this section and to repay the reasonable costs incurred by any person or agency in caring for each animal subjected to violation of this section;
(c) order the defendant to no longer possess or retain custody of any animal, as specified by the court, during the period of the defendant’s probation or parole or other period as designated by the court; and
(d) order the animal to be placed for the purpose of adoption or care in the custody of a county and municipal animal control agency, an animal welfare agency registered with the state, sold at public auction, or humanely destroyed.
(10) This section does not prohibit the use of animals in lawful training.
(11) As used in this section:
(a) “Abandons” means to intentionally deposit, leave, or drop off any live animal:
(i) without providing for the care of that animal; or
(ii) in a situation where conditions present an immediate, direct, and serious threat to the life, safety, or health of the animal.
(b) (i) “Animal” means a live, nonhuman vertebrate creature.
(ii) “Animal” does not include animals kept or owned for agricultural purposes and cared for in accordance with accepted husbandry practices, animals used for rodeo purposes, and does not include protected and unprotected wildlife as defined in Section 23-13-2.
(c) “Custody” means ownership, possession, or control over an animal.
(d) “Legal privilege” means an act authorized by state law, including Division of Wildlife Resources statutes and rules, and conducted in conformance with local ordinances.
(e) “Necessary food, care, and shelter” means appropriate and essential food and other needs of the animal, including veterinary care, and adequate protection against extreme weather conditions.
Vermont – VERMONT STATUTES
TITLE THIRTEEN. CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART 1. CRIMES
CHAPTER 8. HUMANE AND PROPER TREATMENT OF ANIMALS
SUBCHAPTER 1. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
§ 352. Cruelty to animals
A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if the person:
(1) intentionally kills or attempts to kill any animal belonging to another person without first obtaining legal authority or consent of the owner;
(2) overworks, overloads, tortures, torments, abandons, administers poison to, cruelly beats or mutilates an animal, exposes a poison with intent that it be taken by an animal;
(3) ties, tethers, or restrains an animal, either a pet or livestock, in a manner that is inhumane or is detrimental to its welfare. Livestock and poultry husbandry practices are exempted;
(4) deprives an animal which a person owns, possesses or acts as an agent for, of adequate food, water, shelter, rest or sanitation, or necessary medical attention, or transports an animal in overcrowded vehicles;
(5) owns, possesses, keeps or trains an animal engaged in an exhibition of fighting, or possesses, keeps or trains any animal with intent that it be engaged in an exhibition of fighting, or permits any such act to be done on premises under his or her charge or control;
(6) acts as judge or spectator at events of animal fighting or bets or wagers on the outcome of such fight;
(7) as poundkeeper, officer, agent of a humane society or as an owner or employee of an establishment for treatment, board or care of an animal, knowingly receives, sells, transfers or otherwise conveys an animal in his or her care for the purpose of research or vivisection;
(8) intentionally torments or harasses an animal owned or engaged by a police department or public agency of the state or its political subdivisions, or interferes with the lawful performance of a police animal;
(9) knowingly sells, offers for sale, barters or displays living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to impart to them an artificial color, or fails to provide poultry with proper brooder facilities;
(10) uses a live animal as bait or lure in a race, game or contest, or in training animals in a manner inconsistent with Part 4 of Title 10 or the rules adopted thereunder.
§ 352a. Aggravated cruelty to animals
A person commits the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals if the person intentionally kills an animal by means causing the animal undue pain or suffering.
§ 353. Degree of offense; sentencing upon conviction
(a) Penalties.
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection, cruelty to animals under section 352 of this title shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $ 2,000.00, or both. Second and subsequent convictions shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than two years or a fine of not more than $ 5,000.00, or both.
(2) Aggravated cruelty under section 352a of this title shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than three years or a fine of not more than $ 5,000.00, or both. Second and subsequent offenses shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than $ 7,500.00, or both.
(3) An offense committed under subdivisions 352(5) and (6) of this title shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than $ 5,000.00, or both.
(b) In addition to any other sentence the court may impose, the court may require a defendant convicted of a violation under section 352 or 352a of this title to:
(1) Forfeit any rights to the animal subjected to cruelty, and to any other animal, except livestock or poultry owned, possessed, or in the custody of the defendant.
(2) Repay the reasonable costs incurred by any person, municipality or agency for providing care for the animal prior to judgment. If the court does not order a defendant to pay all the applicable costs incurred or orders only partial payment, it shall state on the record the reasons for that action.
(3) Forfeit any future right to own, possess, or care for any animal for a period which the court deems appropriate.
(4) Participate in available animal cruelty prevention programs or educational programs, or both, or obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling, within a reasonable distance from the defendant’s residence. The court may impose the costs of such programs or counseling upon the defendant when appropriate.
(5) Permit periodic unannounced visits for a period up to one year by a humane officer to inspect the care and condition of any animal permitted by the court to remain in the care, custody, or possession of the defendant. Such period may be extended by the court upon motion made by the state.
(c) Upon an order of forfeiture of an animal under this section or section 354 of this title, the court shall order custody of the animal remanded to a humane society or other individual deemed appropriate by the court, for further disposition in accordance with accepted practices for humane treatment of animals. A transfer of rights under this section constitutes a transfer of ownership, and shall not constitute or authorize any limitation upon the right of the humane society, individual, or other entity, to whom rights are granted to dispose of the animal.
Virginia – CODE OF VIRGINIA
TITLE 3.1. AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND FOOD.
CHAPTER 27.4. COMPREHENSIVE ANIMAL LAWS.
ARTICLE 6. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
§ 3.1-796.122. Cruelty to animals; penalty
A. Any person who (i) overrides, overdrives, overloads, tortures, ill-treats, abandons, willfully inflicts inhumane injury or pain not connected with bona fide scientific or medical experimentation, or cruelly or unnecessarily beats, maims, mutilates, or kills any animal, whether belonging to himself or another; (ii) deprives any animal of necessary food, drink, shelter or emergency veterinary treatment; (iii) sores any equine for any purpose or administers drugs or medications to alter or mask such soring for the purpose of sale, show, or exhibition of any kind, unless such administration of drugs or medications is within the context of a veterinary client-patient relationship and solely for therapeutic purposes; (iv) willfully sets on foot, instigates, engages in, or in any way furthers any act of cruelty to any animal; (v) carries or causes to be carried in or upon any vehicle, vessel or otherwise any animal in a cruel, brutal, or inhumane manner, so as to produce torture or unnecessary suffering; or (vi) causes any of the above things, or being the owner of such animal permits such acts to be done by another, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. Any person who (i) tortures, willfully inflicts inhumane injury or pain not connected with bona fide scientific or medical experimentation, or cruelly and unnecessarily beats, maims, mutilates or kills any animal whether belonging to himself or another; (ii) sores any equine for any purpose or administers drugs or medications to alter or mask such soring for the purpose of sale, show, or exhibit of any kind, unless such administration of drugs or medications is under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and solely for therapeutic purposes; (iii) instigates, engages in, or in any way furthers any act of cruelty to any animal set forth in clause (i); or (iv) causes any of the actions described in clauses (i) through (iii), or being the owner of such animal permits such acts to be done by another; and has been within five years convicted of a violation of this subsection or subsection A, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony if the current violation or any previous violation of this subsection or subsection A resulted in the death of an animal or the euthanasia of an animal based on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian upon determination that such euthanasia was necessary due to the condition of the animal, and such condition was a direct result of a violation of this subsection or subsection A.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the dehorning of cattle.
D. For the purposes of this section and §§ 3.1-796.111, 3.1-796.113, 3.1-796.114, 3.1-796.115, and 3.1-796.125, the word animal shall be construed to include birds and fowl.
E. This section shall not prohibit authorized wildlife management activities or hunting, fishing or trapping as regulated under other titles of the Code of Virginia, including, but not limited to Title 29.1, or to farming activities as provided under this title or regulations promulgated thereto.
F. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection A, the court may, in its discretion, require any person convicted of a violation of subsection A to attend an anger management or other appropriate treatment program or obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling. The court may impose the costs of such a program or counseling upon the person convicted.
G. It is unlawful for any person to kill a domestic dog or cat for the purpose of obtaining the hide, fur or pelt of the dog or cat. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 6 felony.
H. Any person who (i) tortures, willfully inflicts inhumane injury or pain not connected with bona fide scientific or medical experimentation or cruelly and unnecessarily beats, maims or mutilates any dog or cat that is a companion animal whether belonging to him or another and (ii) as a direct result causes the death of such dog or cat that is a companion animal, or the euthanasia of such animal on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian upon determination that such euthanasia was necessary due to the condition of the animal, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. The provisions of this subsection shall not overrule § 3.1-796.93:1 or § 3.1-796.116.
I. Any person convicted of violating this section may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of companion animals.
Washington – REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON
TITLE 16. ANIMALS, ESTRAYS, BRANDS AND FENCES
CHAPTER 16.52. PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMAL
16.52.205. Animal cruelty in the first degree
A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the first degree when, except as authorized in law, he or she intentionally (a) inflicts substantial pain on, (b) causes physical injury to, or (c) kills an animal by a means causing undue suffering, or forces a minor to inflict unnecessary pain, injury, or death on an animal.
Animal cruelty in the first degree is a class C felony.
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16.52.207. Animal cruelty in the second degree
(1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal.
(2) An owner of an animal is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the owner knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
(a) Fails to provide the animal with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; or
(b) Abandons the animal.
(3) Animal cruelty in the second degree is a misdemeanor.
(4) In any prosecution of animal cruelty in the second degree, it shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant’s failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant’s control.
West Virginia – WEST VIRGINIA CODE 1966
CHAPTER 19. AGRICULTURE.
ARTICLE 20. DOGS AND CATS.
s 19-20-12 Dogs, other animals and reptiles protected by law; unlawful killing thereof; aggrieved owner’s remedy; penalties; penalties for unlawful stealing of pets.
(a) Any dog which is registered, kept and controlled as provided in this article or any dog, cat, other animal or any reptile which is owned, kept and maintained as a pet by any person, irrespective of age, shall be protected by law; and any person who shall intentionally and unlawfully kill, injure or poison any such dog, cat, other animal or any reptile as specified above, or shall, in any other manner, intentionally and unlawfully cause the death or injury of any such dog, cat, other animal or any reptile shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be ordered to provide public service for not less than thirty nor more than ninety days, or fined not more than three hundred dollars, or both. Any person whose dog, cat, other animal or reptile as specified herein shall be killed or injured wrongfully or unlawfully by any other person shall have a right of action against the person who shall so kill or injure such dog, cat, animal or reptile but in no case involving a dog can recovery be had in excess of the assessed value of such dog.
(b) Any person who shall intentionally and unlawfully steal a dog, cat, other animal or reptile as specified in subsection (a) of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be ordered to provide public service for not less than thirty nor more than ninety days or fined not less than three hundred nor more than five hundred dollars, or both. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall, for the second or subsequent offense, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in the county jail for a period of not less than ninety days nor more than six months, or shall be ordered to provide public service for not more than one year, and fined not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars. In no case can any action or prosecution relating to a dog under the provisions of this section be maintained if the dog concerned shall not have been duly registered pursuant to the provisions of this article or owned and kept pursuant to the provisions of this section or owned and kept pursuant to the provisions of this section at the time the cause of action shall have arisen.
(c) The commissioner of agriculture is hereby authorized to designate such reasonable number of his present employees as may be necessary to investigate alleged incidents of the unlawful stealing of dogs, other domestic animals or reptiles, alleged incidents of cruelty to such animals or reptiles and the alleged incidents of the unlawful stealing of such animals or reptiles for the purpose of sale to medical or other research companies. Such deputies shall make the results of their investigations known to any law-enforcement officers who have authority to enforce the provisions of this article.
(d) It shall be the duty of all members of the department of public safety, sheriffs and police officers to aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this article, and, for services rendered in the enforcement thereof, such persons shall be entitled to fees in the amounts set forth in section eight [s 19-20-8]. Such fees shall be paid by the county commission from the dog and kennel fund.
Wisconsin – WISCONSIN STATUTES
CRIMES
CHAPTER 951. CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS
951.02. Mistreating animals
No person may treat any animal, whether belonging to the person or another, in a cruel manner. This section does not prohibit bona fide experiments carried on for scientific research or normal and accepted veterinary practices.
Wyoming – WYOMING STATUTES 1977
TITLE 6. Crimes and Offenses
CHAPTER 3. Offenses Against Property
ARTICLE 2. Property Destruction and Defacement
§ 6-3-203. Cruelty to animals; penalties; limitation on manner of destruction
(a) A person commits cruelty to animals if he knowingly and with intent to cause death, injury or undue suffering:
(i) Overrides an animal or drives an animal when overloaded; or
(ii) Unnecessarily or cruelly beats, tortures, torments, injures, mutilates or attempts to kill an animal; or
(iii) Carries an animal in a manner that poses undue risk of injury or death.
(b) A person commits cruelty to animals if he has the charge and custody of any animal and unnecessarily fails to provide it with the proper food, drink or protection from the weather, or cruelly abandons the animal, or in the case of immediate, obvious, serious illness or injury, fails to provide the animal with appropriate care.
(c) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if he:
(i) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 91, § 2.
(ii) Owns, possesses, keeps or trains fowls or dogs with the intent to allow the dog or fowl to engage in an exhibition of fighting with another dog or fowl;
(iii) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 91, § 2.
(iv) For gain causes or allows any dog or fowl to fight with another dog or fowl;
(v) Knowingly permits any act prohibited under paragraphs (ii) or (iv) of this subsection on any premises under his charge or control; or
(vi) Promotes any act prohibited under paragraphs (ii) or (iv) of this subsection.
(d) A person shall not destroy an animal by the use of a high-altitude decompression chamber or a carbon monoxide gas chamber utilizing a gasoline engine. This subsection is uniformly applicable to all cities and towns.
(e) Unless punishable under subsection (n) of this section, a violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($ 750.00), or both except that a subsequent offense or aggravated cruelty to animals as defined by subsection (c) of this section is a high misdemeanor punishable by not more than one (1) year imprisonment, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($ 5,000.00), or both.
(f) Nothing in subsection (c) of this section may be construed to prohibit:
(i) The use of dogs in the management of livestock by the owner of the livestock, his employees or agents or other persons in lawful custody of the livestock;
(ii) The use of dogs or raptors in hunting; or
(iii) The training of dogs or raptors or the use of equipment in the training of dogs or raptors for any purpose not prohibited by law;
(iv) through (vi) Repealed by Laws 2000, ch. 86, § 2.
(g) A person commits cruelty to animals if he is knowingly present at any place where an exhibition of fighting of fowls or dogs is occurring for amusement or gain.
(h) If a person convicted of a violation of this section is also the owner of the animal, the court may require the person to forfeit ownership of the animal to the county in which the person is convicted. This subsection shall not affect the interest of any secured party or other person who has not participated in the offense.
(j) In addition to any sentence and penalties imposed under subsections (e), (h) and (n) of this section, the court may:
(i) Require the defendant to pay all reasonable costs incurred in providing necessary food and water, veterinary attention and treatment for any animal affected; and
(ii) Prohibit or limit the defendant’s ownership, possession or custody of animals, as the court deems appropriate.
(k) Each animal affected by the defendant’s conduct may constitute a separate count for the purposes of prosecution, conviction, sentencing and penalties under this section.
(m) Nothing in subsection (a), (b) or (n) of this section shall be construed to prohibit:
(i) A person from humanely destroying an animal;
(ii) The use of industry accepted agricultural and livestock practices on livestock;
(iii) Rodeo events, whether the event is performed in a rodeo, jackpot or otherwise; or
(iv) The hunting, capture or destruction of any predatory animal or other wildlife in any manner not otherwise prohibited by law.
(n) A person commits a felony if he knowingly and with intent to cause death, injury or undue suffering, cruelly beats, tortures, torments, injures or mutilates an animal resulting in the death or required euthanasia of the animal. A felony under this subsection is punishable by not more than two (2) years imprisonment, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($ 5,000.00), or both.

Well, that concludes the posts on Animal Rights Laws Across the U.S. These posts cover a lot of information over several different states. Some of these laws haven’t been updated in over a decade, it is my opinion that it is time to update the laws and the punishments for the offenses. Whatever your opinion may be, these are laws that everyone needs to be aware of. As it’s been said, “if you wouldn’t do it to your children, then don’t do it to a pet or animal.” Sadly, some people treat children and animals in the same manner, good or bad. Please read and share, and please try to help any animal you suspect is being abused or mistreated. Thank You.