What Happens If Charged With Animal Cruelty
What happens if you are charged with animal cruelty, the consequences can be serious, depending on where you live and the severity of the allegations. Animal cruelty laws vary by state, but most places treat mistreatment of animals as a crime, with penalties ranging from fines to felony charges that can lead to prison time.

You could face charges for actions like physically harming an animal, neglecting basic care needs (such as food, water, and shelter), or leaving pets in dangerous conditions, like in a hot car. Some states also have specific rules about keeping animals in safe, comfortable conditions, and violations, even if unintentional, can still result in criminal charges if authorities believe you were negligent.
If convicted, penalties can include not only fines and jail time but also restrictions on owning pets in the future. For more severe cases, like intentional torture, animal fighting, or repeated offenses, the charges are often upgraded to felonies, which carry harsher sentences.
Legal defenses can vary, but if you are accused, it is wise to consult a criminal defense attorney who can explain your rights and help you build a defense. With the growing focus on animal welfare, prosecutors are increasingly taking these cases seriously, so it is important to address any charges promptly and seek legal support.
What is The New Law About Animals in Texas?

Texas has recently enacted several new laws affecting animal welfare, breeding, and agricultural practices. Here is a quick reveiw of the major changes that are effective of 2023:
1. Tighter Regulations for Dog and Cat Breeders
SB 876: Now requires breeders with five or more breeding females to be licensed (previously required 11 or more). This aims to close loopholes that allowed unlicensed breeders to avoid inspections and standards, reducing animal cruelty.
2. Protection for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs
HB 3660: Protects those involved in TNR programs for community cats from abandonment charges. This law clarifies that releasing sterilized and vaccinated cats back to their outdoor habitats is a humane population control method, not abandonment.
3. Stronger Penalties for Fake Service Animals
HB 4164: Increases fines for misrepresenting a pet as a service animal from $300 to $1,000. Offenders may also need to complete 30 hours of community service, supporting people with disabilities.
4. Ban on Animal Ownership for Convicted Abusers
HB 598: Prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning pets for five years after conviction. Repeat violations now carry harsher penalties.
5. Limits on Local Animal Ordinances and Tethering Rules
HB 2127 and HB 1750: Restrict cities from creating new animal-related regulations unless expressly allowed by state law. Also prevents local governments from enforcing specific tethering rules for dogs guarding livestock, but retains basic welfare requirements.
What is The Sentence For Cruelty To Non Live Stock Animals in Texas?

In Texas, penalties for animal cruelty against non-livestock animals like pets can vary based on the specifics of the offense and whether the person has prior convictions. You can read below details in simple way to understand:
First Offense:
If convicted, it is usually treated as a Class A misdemeanor, which can mean up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
Repeat Offenses:
If the person has two or more prior convictions for animal cruelty, the charge can escalate to a State Jail Felony, with possible penalties of up to two years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Severe Cases:
Certain types of cruelty, such as extreme neglect or intentional harm, can lead to harsher charges even on a first offense, classified as a State Jail Felony or Third Degree Felony with prison sentences ranging from two to ten years, especially if the person has prior convictions.
Probation Options:
Texas law does allow judges to grant probation or deferred adjudication (where the case may be dismissed if conditions are met) for these offenses. However, probation may not be granted if a deadly weapon was involved.
Each case is unique, so penalties depend on the details. If you’re facing animal cruelty charges, consulting a legal professional is highly recommended to understand your options.
What is The Animal Cruelty Code in Texas?
You can follow below table for animal cruelty codes in Texas.
Texas Animal Cruelty Codes for Livestock | Description |
Torture | Intentionally causing unjustifiable pain or suffering to livestock animals. |
Failure to Provide Care | Not providing necessary food, water, or care for livestock under one’s custody. |
Abandonment | Unreasonably abandoning livestock without arranging proper custody. |
Cruel Transport or Confinement | Transporting or confining animals in a way that causes pain or suffering. |
Poisoning | Administering poison to livestock (excluding cattle, horses, etc.) without consent. |
Animal Fighting | Forcing livestock to fight other animals. |
Using Animals as Lures | Using live livestock as lures in dog racing or training. |
Horse Tripping | Causing a horse to fall or lose balance using objects. |
Overworking | Seriously overworking livestock beyond reasonable limits. |
Can You Report Animal Abuse in Texas?
If you witness animal cruelty in Montgomery County, please report it to the local law enforcement agency where the incident took place. You can stay anonymous by calling Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867). For situations where an animal is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.
Montgomery County Animal Control Authority
8535 Hwy 242
Conroe, Texas 77385
Contact
Dispatch: (936) 442-7738 (Press 2)
Fax: (936) 442-7739
Shelter Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
What Happens if You Hit A Dog in Texas?
In Texas, abandoning an animal without a valid reason is against the law and can lead to charges of animal cruelty. If you accidentally hit a dog with your vehicle and leave the scene without doing anything to help, you could be held responsible under this law.
The compassionate and lawful choice in this situation is to stop and assist the animal. If the dog is injured, take steps to prevent further harm by carefully moving it out of the road, if it’s safe for you to do so. This simple act can protect the dog from being hit again by passing cars. Once the dog is out of immediate danger, consider calling local animal control or a nearby veterinary clinic to report the incident and seek guidance on how to proceed.