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 New Hampshire, animal cruelty is addressed under RSA 644:8, which defines various forms of mistreatment towards animals. The law prohibits acts such as overworking, beating, torturing, or otherwise mistreating an animal. It also includes neglect, such as failing to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. The severity of the offense can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on factors such as the level of cruelty or neglect, the number of animals involved, and whether the offense is a repeat violation. New Hampshire has also established an animal cruelty task force to help enforce these laws and ensure the welfare of animals.