With the amount of abuses occurring daily with animals, we can't always depend on people to take action immediately. So how do those who are presently active in fighting for animals get things done? The answer is with government help. All 50 states have some type of anti-cruelty laws, but only 41 states consider these acts as felonies as of the year 2005.According to the article "Over view of sate cruelty laws," there are only two types of acts punished: Intentional acts, and failure to act.
When it comes to charging some one with failure to act (neglect), there are a couple of things that have to be done. First of all, the prosecutor has to determine if the animal r
eally needed shelter, if the weather conditions were harsh enough to need shelter, and finally, if the shelter provided was suitable for the pet. If owner failed to provide any of these, consequences will be suffered. "Mandatory counseling or education, community service, restitution (in some cases paid to a local ASPCA), seizure of the animals, reimbursement for the cost of care, and limitations on future animal ownership" will be considered,writes Rebecca F. Wisch. When dealing with intentional acts, punishments are most severe. If repeated, felonies will be charged under that law. For the states that do consider animal cruelty as a felony, a fine and jail time will be faced. Surprisingly, there are a few exceptions to to these laws. According to the table of state laws, institutions such as Zoos, circuses, pest control, and food production companies. Hunting and killing an animal in your own home is an humane way are also things that arent considered as animal cruelty.
To see the penalties your state charges click here: http://http://www.animallaw.info/articles/arus5animall69.htm
http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovusstatecrueltylaws.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2000/US/07/03/animal.rights/
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