Washington State Laws
Follow the links below to read the full, official language of Washington State’s animal cruelty laws. (RCW means Revised Code of Washington.)

RCW 16.52.205 Animal cruelty in the first degree

RCW 16.52.207 Animal cruelty in the second degree

RCW 16.52.117 Animal fighting

Animal Cruelty Punishments

Animal cruelty in the first degree:

• Class C Felony
• Fine up to $10,000
• Imprisonment up to 5 years

Animal cruelty in the second degree (except section: (2)(c)):

• Misdemeanor
• Fine up to $1,000
• Imprisonment up to 90 days

Animal cruelty in the second degree (section (2)(c)—if animal is abandoned and suffers bodily harm or is at substantial risk for suffering bodily harm:

• Gross Misdemeanor
• Fine up to $5,000
• Imprisonment up to 1 year

Animal fighting:

• Class C Felony
• Fine up to $10,000
• Imprisonment up to 5 years