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 Pennsylvania, animal cruelty is addressed under the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, Section 5511, which prohibits the mistreatment of animals. This includes neglect, such as failing to provide necessary sustenance, potable water, shelter, or veterinary care, as well as acts of cruelty like beating, torturing, or otherwise abusing animals. The law also covers severe offenses such as killing, maiming, or disfiguring an animal intentionally, which can lead to more serious charges. Penalties for animal cruelty in Pennsylvania can range from summary offenses to misdemeanors and even felonies, depending on the severity of the mistreatment. The state has also enacted Libre's Law, which strengthens penalties for animal abuse and allows for felony charges in cases of first-degree animal cruelty, such as torturing an animal or causing serious bodily injury or death.