Cruelty to Animals
La. R.S. 14:102.1 — up to $1,000 or 6 months for simple cruelty, up to 10 years for aggravated cruelty
Simple cruelty is intentionally or with criminal negligence tormenting, cruelly beating or unjustifiably injuring an animal, or overworking or overloading one, among other acts. Aggravated cruelty is torturing, maiming or mutilating a living animal.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| OffenseSimple cruelty, first | PenaltyUp to $1,000, up to 6 months, or both |
| OffenseSimple cruelty, second or later | Penalty$5,000 to $25,000, or 1 to 10 years, or both |
| OffenseAggravated cruelty | Penalty$5,000 to $25,000, or 1 to 10 years, or both |
Each animal mistreated is a separate offense. Aggravated cruelty brings a psychological evaluation and may bring a ban on keeping animals for up to 10 years. Lawful hunting, herding, veterinary practice and traditional rural Mardi Gras runs are outside the section.
Sources for this section (1)
- La. R.S. 14:102.1 — Cruelty to animals; simple and aggravated
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.