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 Kentucky, animal cruelty is addressed under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 525, which includes laws against cruelty to animals in the first and second degree. First-degree animal cruelty (KRS 525.130) is a Class D felony and occurs when someone intentionally subjects any animal to serious physical injury or death, or subjects the animal to extreme physical pain or torture. Second-degree animal cruelty (KRS 525.125) is a Class A misdemeanor and includes failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water, space, or veterinary care, or abandoning the animal. Kentucky law also prohibits the fighting of animals for pleasure or profit (KRS 525.140), which is a felony offense. It's important to note that Kentucky has been criticized for having some of the weakest animal protection laws in the United States, and efforts have been made to strengthen these laws through legislative changes.