(A) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree 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, participates, other than as provided in division (B) below, 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 healthcare 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) Incidental to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;
(3) For humane purposes; or
(4) For any other purpose authorized by law.
(KRS 525.130) (Prior Code, § 90.03) Penalty, see § 90.99
Statutory reference:
Cruelty to animals in the first degree, a Class D felony, see KRS 525.125