ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the laws that protect companion animals and the link between animal crimes and crimes against humans. Most codified animal law is criminal, whether in the areas of protection from abuse, agricultural and hunting regulation, wildlife preservation and conservation, or public health and safety. Animal neglect laws are sometimes referred to as “adequate care” laws, and by either name, they carry the lowest penalties. Animal control officers educated the owner about adequate care laws, and the requirements related specifically to adequate shelter, and explained that the law prohibits leaving the dog outside when the weather is appropriate. Adequate veterinary care is also a requirement under some state laws, and the failure to provide it is frequently a violation of both animal neglect and animal cruelty laws. Animal abandonment is a form of cruelty commonly encountered by law enforcement and veterinarians and is specifically set forth as a crime in most intentional cruelty statutes.
