Washinton State Animal Cruelty

Cruelty to animals takes on many forms and is caused by many people. Some still find themselves protected in their actions, most often in the "interest of economic profit." But non-human animals are not completely without protection under the law. Although reform in such laws often seems slow to non-existent, we continue to work. The animals, however, cannot file suit in court; therefore, we must watch for those who break the laws and be sure to bring them to justice. To that end the first step is to know what protections exist.

Washington has two State Animal Cruelty laws. They are RCW 16.52.205, Animal Cruelty in the First Degree, and RCW 16.52.207, Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree.

RCW 16.52.205 Animal Cruelty in the First Degree:
(1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the first degree when, except as authorized in law, he or she intentionally:
- (a) inflicts substantial pain on,
- (b) causes physical injury to, or
- (c) kills an animal by a means causing undue suffering, or
  forces a minor to inflict unnecessary pain, injury, or death on an animal.
(2) Animal cruelty in the first degree is a class C felony.


RCW 16.52.207 Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree:
(1) A person 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 inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal.
(2) An owner of an animal is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the owner knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
- (a) Fails to provide the animal with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, 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 misdemeanor.
(4) In any prosecution of animal cruelty in the second degree, it shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant's failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant's control.


The following RCWs, applying to the treatment of animals also exist. Follow the links for greater depth in understanding the statute. To report suspected cases of animal cruelty or neglect, contact your local police, SPCA or Humane Society. This information can be found here.


Crimes & Punishments
9.08.070 :: Pet Animals - taking, concealing, injuring, killing, etc.; Penalty

Animals & Livestock
16.08.100 :: Dog fights, Penalty
16.52.010 :: Definitions
16.52.080 :: Transporting or confining in unsafe manner
16.52.090 :: Docking horses; misdemeanor
16.52.095 :: Cutting ears; misdemeanor
16.52.100 :: Confinement without food or water; intervention by others
16.52.117 :: Animal fighting - owners, trainers, spectators
16.52.190 :: Poisoning Animals
16.52.300 :: Dogs or cats used as bait - seizure - limitation

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