Cruelty to animals laws in Pennsylvania?

Answer 1

In Pennsylvania cruelty to animals is defined as' "wantonly or cruelly ill treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry." This offense is punishable by a fine of between $50-$750 and/or imprisonment of up to 90 days.

Cruelty to animals become a Misdemeanor in the second degree is a person, "Kills, maims or disfigures any domestic animal of another person or any domestic fowl of another person; administers poison to or exposes any poisonous substance with the intent to administer such poison to any domestic animal of another person or domestic fowl of another person; harasses, annoys, injures, attempts to injure, molests or interferes with a dog guide, hearing dog or service dog." This is punishable with a fine no less than $500.

Cruelty to animals is charge as a Felony in the third degree if a person, "Kills, maims or disfigures any zoo animal in captivity; or administers poison to or exposes any poisonous substance with the intent to administer such poison to any zoo animal in captivity." This is punishable by a fine up to $15,000 and/or 7 years in prison.

It is a Misdemeanor in the first degree if a person, "Kills, maims, mutilates, tortures or disfigures any dog or cat, whether belonging to himself or otherwise; or administers poison to or exposes any poisonous substance with the intent to administer such poison to any dog or cat, whether belonging to himself or otherwise." This is punishable by a fine of no less than $1,000 and/or up to 2 years. After which any subsequent convictions are charged as a Felony of the third degree.

Exemptions to these clauses are veterinary care, protecting other domestic animals or fowl, game laws, pest control, and farming.