(A) A person is guilty to cruelty to animals when, except as authorized by law, he or she intentionally or wantonly:
(1) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through abandonment, causing it 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;
(2) Subjects any animal in his or her 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; or
(4) For any other purpose authorized by law.
(C) Cruelty to animals is a Class A misdemeanor.
(KRS 5 25.130)
(1980 Code, § 1020.19-2)