Arkansas
Anti-Cruelty Statutes

ARKANSAS CODE OF 1987
TITLE 5. CRIMINAL OFFENSES
SUBTITLE 6. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, OR WELFARE
CHAPTER 62. ANIMALS
SUBCHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 5-62-101. Cruelty to animals

A. A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals if, except as authorized by law, he or she knowingly:

• (1)Abandons any animal;
• (2) Subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment;
• (3) Subjects any animal in his or her custody to cruel neglect; or
  
• (4)Kills or injures any animal belonging to another without legal privilege or consent of the owner.
  

B. Cruelty to animals is a Class A misdemeanor.

C.(1) In addition to all other penalties provided by law, the court may order any person found guilty of cruelty to animals to receive a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, and if determined appropriate, psychiatric or psychological counseling or treatment.
(2) The cost of any evaluation, counseling, or treatment may be ordered paid by the defendant up to the jurisdictional limit of the court.

D. If the person pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of cruelty to animals, the court may assign custody of the abused animal or animals to a society which is incorporated for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

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