(1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty:
(a) The person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal;
(b) The person takes control, custody, or possession of an animal that was involved in animal fighting as described in RCW 16.52.117 and knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence abandons the animal; or
(c) The person willfully instigates, engages in, or in any way furthers any act of animal cruelty to any animal.
(2) An owner of, or a person in possession or control of, residing with, or who has accepted responsibility for, an animal is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
(a) Fails to provide the animal with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; or
(b) Abandons the animal.
(3) Animal cruelty in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.
(4) Nothing in this section prohibits accepted animal husbandry practices or prohibits a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary technician from performing procedures on an animal that are accepted veterinary medical practices.
[ 2025 c 220 s 6; 2020 c 158 s 7; 2019 c 174 s 2; 2011 c 172 s 5; 2007 c 376 s 1; 2005 c 481 s 2; 1994 c 261 s 9.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.