Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In Georgia, animal cruelty is addressed under the Georgia Animal Protection Act. The law distinguishes between two levels of offenses: cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals. Cruelty to animals is considered a misdemeanor and includes neglecting to provide an animal with adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, as well as inflicting excessive physical pain. Aggravated cruelty to animals is a felony and involves knowingly and maliciously causing death or physical harm to an animal by rendering a part of the animal's body useless or by seriously disfiguring the animal. Georgia law also requires that veterinarians report suspected animal cruelty. Penalties for animal cruelty in Georgia can include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory psychological counseling or community service. Repeat offenders may face harsher penalties.