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 Washington State, animal cruelty is addressed under RCW 16.52, which outlines various offenses and their corresponding penalties. The law defines first-degree animal cruelty as knowingly inflicting substantial bodily harm, causing physical pain or suffering, or causing the death of an animal through a malicious act. This is considered a Class C felony. Second-degree animal cruelty involves the criminal neglect of an animal, such as failing to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and is classified as a gross misdemeanor. Additionally, the state has provisions against animal fighting, abandonment, and the sexual assault of animals. Washington also has a specific statute for leaving or confining any animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that might endanger the animal's health or well-being. Penalties for animal cruelty can include fines, imprisonment, and mandatory forfeiture of the abused animals. The state takes animal welfare seriously and provides legal avenues for reporting and prosecuting cases of animal cruelty.