§ 90.03 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:
      (1)   Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through abandonment, participates other than as provided in § 90.03 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 any animal other than a dog or cat, failing to provide adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means;
      (2)   Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or
      (3)   Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This section 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 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) Penalty, see § 90.99
                    
Statutory reference:
   Cruelty to animals in the first degree, a class D felony, see KRS 525.125