Oklahoma Statewide Rule
Oklahoma Animal Cruelty Laws Cover Hoarding
Key Facts
- Statute
- 21 O.S. Sections 1685-1700
- Cruelty penalty
- Up to 5 years
- Maximum fine
- $5,000
- Animal seizure
- Authorized
Summary
Oklahoma criminalizes neglect and cruelty toward animals through statewide statutes that apply to hoarding situations, allowing felony charges for severe neglect of multiple animals.
Any person who shall willfully or maliciously torture, destroy or kill, or cruelly beat or injure, maim or mutilate any animal in subjugation or captivity, whether wild or tame, and whether belonging to the person or to another, or deprive any such animal of necessary food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care to prevent suffering
Full Breakdown
Under 21 O.S. Sections 1685 through 1700, Oklahoma criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect. Section 1685 makes willful or malicious cruelty a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 fine. Section 1685.1 addresses neglect, including failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Animal hoarding situations typically qualify as neglect when conditions cause suffering. Law enforcement and licensed humane officers may seize animals under 21 O.S. Section 1680.4. Cities may prosecute lesser offenses, but state cruelty laws apply universally regardless of location.
Violations & Penalties
Animal cruelty is a felony with up to 5 years prison and $5,000 fine. Neglect carries misdemeanor penalties; aggravated cases escalate to felonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is animal hoarding a crime in Oklahoma?
Can authorities seize hoarded animals?
Sources
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