Animal cruelty (misdemeanor charge): A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals when he/she causes death or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering to any animal by an act, an omission, or willful neglect. Willful neglect means the intentional withholding of food and water required by an animal to prevent starvation or dehydration. — O.C.G.A. 16-12-4

Adequate food and water means food and water that is sufficient in an amount and appropriate for the particular type of animal to prevent starvation, dehydration, or a significant risk to the animal’s health from a lack of food or water. — O.C.G.A. 4-11-2, 4-13-2

Humane care of animals means, but is not limited to, the provision of adequate heat, ventilation, sanitary shelter, and wholesome and adequate food and water, consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal’s size, species, and breed. — O.C.G.A. 4-11-2, 4-13-2



Animal cruelty (felony charge): A person commits the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals when he or she knowingly and maliciously causes death or physical harm to an animal by rendering a part of such animal’s body useless or by seriously disfiguring such animal … except for conduct otherwise permitted under state or federal law. — O.C.G.A. 16-12-4

For information about Georgia’s Animal Cruelty Criminal Provisions, please visit the Web site: www.agr.state.ga.us.