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 Delaware, animal cruelty laws are comprehensive and address various forms of mistreatment against animals. Under Delaware Code Title 11, Sections 1325-1327, animal cruelty can range from neglect, such as failing to provide necessary sustenance, water, shelter, or veterinary care, to intentional acts of cruelty, including torture, maiming, mutilation, or killing of an animal. Delaware law classifies different degrees of cruelty, with the most severe cases being felonies. For example, intentionally torturing or abusing an animal can lead to felony charges, while neglect or unintentional harm may result in misdemeanor charges. Additionally, Delaware has established an animal welfare task force to ensure the enforcement of these laws and to promote the humane treatment of animals.