In Plain English

Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. 

• ​Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

• Another kind of cruelty: Animal “hoarding”. This is a situation that happens when someone has collected so many animals that they are unable to provide proper care for them. In New Hampshire there are numerous laws that protect the welfare of animals.

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According to NH Laws

(RSA 644:8) Cruelty to Animals

• Depriving an animal of necessary care, food, water or shelter.

• Negligently beating, cruelly whipping, torturing, mutilating or mistreatment of animals.

• Negligently overworking, or misusing any animal intended for labor.

• Negligently transporting an animal in a manner injurious to the health, safety or physical well-being of such animal. (i.e. transporting loose dogs in the back of a pick up truck is illegal.)

• Negligently abandoning any animal previously in his possession leaving it without supervision or adequate care, sustenance or shelter.