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 Alaska, animal cruelty laws are codified under Alaska Statutes Section 11.61.140, which defines various offenses related to the mistreatment of animals. These laws make it illegal to knowingly inflict severe and prolonged physical pain or suffering on an animal, including neglect, torture, maiming, mutilation, or killing. Neglect involves failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Alaska's laws also address the issue of adequate shelter, specifying that it must be appropriate to the animal's breed, physical condition, and the climate. The statutes categorize certain severe offenses as felonies, while others may be treated as misdemeanors, depending on the nature and severity of the act. Additionally, Alaska recognizes the concept of 'careless neglect,' which can result in penalties even if the neglect was not intentional. The state takes animal cruelty seriously, and those found guilty of such offenses may face fines, imprisonment, and other penalties, including the potential prohibition from owning or working with animals in the future.