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TCA 39-14-201

Definitions for animal offenses

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What does this charge mean?

This section provides definitions for animal-related crimes. "Animal" means a domesticated or previously captured wild creature. "Livestock" means farm animals like cattle, sheep, and poultry raised for food or fiber. "Non-livestock animal" means pets and other animals not used for farming. "Torture" means causing unreasonable pain, suffering, or death but excludes hunting or sport shooting for food or gun club target practice.

Penalty Details

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Penalty SummaryClassification not specified
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) “Animal” means a domesticated living creature or a wild creature previously captured; (2) “Livestock” means all equine as well as animals which are being raised primarily for use as food or fiber for human utilization or consumption including, but not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry; (3) “Non-livestock animal” means a pet normally maintained in or near the household or households of its owner or owners, other domesticated animal, previously captured wildlife, an exotic animal, or any other pet, including but not limited to, pet rabbits, a pet chick, duck, or pot bellied pig that is not classified as “livestock” pursuant to this part; and (4) “Torture” means every act, omission, or neglect whereby unreasonable physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted, but nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting the shooting of birds or game for the purpose of human food or the use of animate targets by incorporated gun clubs.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

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TCA Section39-14-201