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Animal Cruelty

PEN §597(a) - Wobbler

  • Maximum fine: $20,000
  • Maximum term: 3 Years (3 RL weeks unseen, 6 RL days if served in HCCJ)
  • Probation/parole at home eligible: Y
  • Community service eligible: Y

Illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to any living animal — whether through intentional acts of violence or through failure to provide basic care.

California law includes several offenses related to Animal Cruelty, including: Sexual Abuse Of Animals (PEN §286.5(a)), Poisoning Animals (PEN §596), Transporting An Animal In A Cruel Or Inhumane Manner (PEN §597a), Cockfighting (PEN §597b(b)), Failure To Maintain Conditions In A Pet Store (PEN §597l(a)), Confining Animals (PEN §597t), Dogfighting (PEN §597.5(a)), Leaving An Animal In An Unattended Vehicle (PEN §597.7(a)), and Unlawful Tethering Of A Dog (Health and Safety Code [HSC] §122335(b)).

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