§ 91.01 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IN THE SECOND DEGREE.

   (A)   A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when, except as authorized by law, he intentionally or wantonly does the following:

      (1)   Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through abandonment, participates other than as provided in § 91.01 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 to profit), mutilation, beating, torturing any animal other than a dog or cat, tormenting, failing to provide adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means;

      (2)   Subjects any animal in his/her custody to cruel neglect; or

      (3)   Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This division shall not apply to intentional poisoning of a dog or cat. Intentional poisoning of a dog or cat shall constitute a violation of this section.

   (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 veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;

      (5)   For purposes relating to sporting activities, including but not limited to horse racing at organized races and training for organized races, organized horse shows, or other animal shows;

      (6)   For bona fide animal research activities of institutions of higher education; or a business entity registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research;

      (7)   In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased animal;

      (8)   In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased animal;

      (9)   For animal or pest control; or.

      (10)   For any other purpose authorized by law.

(KRS 525.130) ('83 Code, § 91.01) Penalty, see § 91.99

Statutory reference:
   Cruelty to animals in the first degree, a class D felony, see KRS 525.125