Understanding State Animal Cruelty Laws

All 50 states have basic protections for pets like dogs and cats, but the details of these laws can vary widely. That’s why understanding the laws in your state is crucial for becoming an effective animal advocate! In this episode of The Animal Advocate, Penny takes a deep dive into the specifics of state animal cruelty laws. She breaks down what these laws cover, how they differ across states, and the penalties for offenders.

Penny discusses the specific requirements for essentials like shelter, food, and veterinary care. She also explains how stronger, more detailed laws can make a real difference in protecting animals. Plus, Penny shares practical tips and simple tools to help you research your state’s laws, get involved, and report suspected abuse or neglect. 

Topics Covered:

(2:29) Defining animal cruelty as it relates to state law and what animals are covered 

(5:33) The criminalization of different actions 

(6:51) How to know what is adequate in terms of food and shelter for dogs, cats, farm animals, and others 

(11:45) Why veterinary care laws are so challenging to specify 

(16:02) The varying penalties across states 

(17:59) Steps to take when you see animal cruelty happening

(19:05) Tools for researching your state’s animal cruelty laws

Resources Mentioned:

• Animal Legal and Historical Center Website
• Animal Legal Defense Fund State Rankings
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Humane Society Police Officer
• People v. Arroyo (New York case, failure to treat terminally ill dog not a crime)
• People v. Sanchez (California case, lack of veterinary care part of pattern of neglect)

Follow us:

• Website: animaladvocacyacademy.com
• Email: [e-mail] 

This podcast was produced by The Wave Podcasting