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 Arkansas, animal cruelty is addressed under the Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 5-62-101 to 5-62-136. The state distinguishes between misdemeanor cruelty to animals and felony aggravated cruelty. Misdemeanor animal cruelty includes acts such as knowingly abandoning an animal, subjecting an animal to cruel mistreatment, or failing to provide basic care like food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Aggravated animal cruelty, which is a felony, involves knowingly torturing, mutilating, maiming, or killing an animal. Arkansas law also includes provisions for animal fighting, seizure of mistreated animals, and penalties for offenders, which can range from fines to imprisonment. The specifics of the law and the penalties imposed can vary based on the severity of the offense and whether the perpetrator has previous convictions for similar offenses.