This matrix will allow you to quickly see whether or not your state has felony statutes in place for cruelty to animals. Click on the table header to re-sort the matrix.
There are 2 states without felony provisions for cruelty to animals: North Dakota, and South Dakota.
This list was last updated on Nov 23, 2012.
information about fields used in this chart
Felony:
Whether there are felony provisions for animal cruelty in the specified state.
Year:
Year the felony law was enacted, if applicable.
Max. Jail:
Maximum amount of jail time allowable by law under the felony provisions.
Max. Fine:
Maximum fine allowable by law.
Counseling:
Whether state law allows mandatory counseling to be ordered as part of sentencing.
Ban:
Whether state law allows for a temporary or permanent ban on animal ownership as part of sentencing.
PPO:
Whether state law can include animals in protection orders (pet protective orders).