(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 § 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 4-legged animal is caused 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; or
(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; and/or
(4) 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