It shall be unlawful for any person to wilfully or maliciously torture, destroy or kill or cruelly beat or injure, maim or mutilate any animal in subjugation or captivity, whether wild or tame, and whether belonging to himself or to another, or to deprive any such animal of necessary food, drink or shelter or veterinary care to prevent suffering; to cause, procure or permit any such animal to be so tortured, destroyed or killed, or cruelly beaten or injured, maimed or mutilated, or deprived of necessary food, drink or shelter or veterinary care to prevent suffering; or wilfully instigate, engage in or in any way further any act of cruelty to any animal, or any act tending to produce such cruelty. (2018 Code)