Reply #147: An update with more thorough info on PA animal laws [View All]

Pennsylvania

18 PA. CONS. STAT. § 5511 -- last amended 1995

Definition of Animal: Domestic Animal: Any dog, cat, equine animal, bovine animal, sheep, goat or porcine animal.

Statute Summary: A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if the person:

Willfully and maliciously kills, maims or disfigures any domestic animal or domestic fowl, administers poison, harasses, annoys, injures, attempts to injure, molests or interferes with a dog guide; willfully and maliciously kills, maims or disfigures, or administers any poisonous substance to any zoo animal in captivity; willfully and maliciously kills, maims, mutilates, tortures or disfigures any dog or cat, or administers any poisonous substance to any dog or cat.

Cruelty to animals
Summary Offense.
$50 to $750 fine.
Imprisonment up to 90 days
Killing, maiming or poisoning domestic animal or domestic fowl of another.
Second Degree Misdemeanor.
Fine up to $500.
Killing, maiming or poisoning zoo animals.
Third Degree Felony.
Fine up to $15,000.
Imprisonment up to 7 years.
Killing, maiming or poisoning dog or cat.
Second Degree Misdemeanor.
At least $1000 fine.
Imprisonment up to 2 years.
A subsequent offense of killing, maiming or poisoning dog or cat.
Third Degree Felony.
Fine up to $15,000.
Imprisonment up to 7 years.
Forfeiture of Animal/Seizure: Both

Other Sentencing Provisions: Cost of care.

Unique Provisions: Cropping dogs' ears by licensed veterinarian only.

Exemptions: To protect other domestic animals or fowl, game laws, pest control, farming.