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 Illinois, animal cruelty is taken very seriously and is addressed under the Illinois Animal Welfare Act. The law defines different forms of cruelty, including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. Neglect involves failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Abuse can include physical harm, such as beating or torturing an animal. It is also illegal to engage in activities like dog fighting. Penalties for animal cruelty in Illinois can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense. Aggravated cruelty, which involves intentional conduct that causes serious injury or death to an animal, is considered a Class 4 felony. Additionally, the state has a Humane Care for Animals Act, which sets forth the requirements for proper animal care and the penalties for failing to provide it. Illinois law also allows courts to order psychological evaluation or counseling for convicted offenders.