(A) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when except as authorized by law he intentionally or wantonly:
(1) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through abandonment, participates other than as provided in § 90.03 (C) in causing it to fight for pleasure or profit, (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an event where a four legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit) mutilation, beating, torturing, tormenting, failing to provide adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means; or
(2) Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or
(3) Kills any animal.
(B) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals:
(1) Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(2) Incident to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;
(3) For humane purposes;
(4) For any other purpose authorized by law.
(KRS 525.130) Penalty, see § 90.99
(C) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree when he or she intentionally or wantonly;
(1) Subjects, permits or causes any animal to fight for pleasure or profit if that person is the owner or caretaker of the animal or acts as the agent of the owner or caretaker thereof;
(2) That person is the owner of the property on which the fight takes place and has knowledge of the fight; or
(3) That person participates in the organization of the fight;
(4) Persons in attendance at such fight other than those set out in (1) above shall be guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree.
(Ord. 93-4, passed 7-21-93)
Statutory reference:
Cruelty to animals in the first degree, a class D felony, see KRS 525.125