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 Utah, animal cruelty is addressed under the Utah Animal Welfare Act. The Act defines various forms of animal cruelty, which include acts of torture, causing unjustifiable injury, pain, or suffering to an animal, abandonment, and neglect such as failing to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter. Utah law classifies animal cruelty offenses into different categories, with penalties ranging from class B or C misdemeanors for first offenses of certain acts of cruelty or neglect, to felonies for repeated offenses or extreme cases of torture or intentional harm. Enhanced penalties may apply for cruelty to animals in the presence of a child or if the offender has prior convictions. Utah also has laws against animal fighting and provisions that allow for the seizure of animals in cases of abuse or neglect. It is important for individuals in Utah to understand that the state takes animal welfare seriously and that there are legal consequences for acts of animal cruelty.