The Arkansas statute A.C.A. § 5-62-103 states that a person commits the offense of cruelty to animals if s/he knowingly:

• Subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment;
• Kills or injures any animal owned by another person without legal privilege or consent of the owner;
• Abandons an animal at a location without providing for the animal’s continued care;
• Fails to supply an animal in his/her custody with a sufficient quantity of wholesome food and water;
• Fails to provide an animal in his/her custody with adequate shelter that is consistent with the breed, species, and type of animal; or
• Carries or causes to be carried in or upon any motorized vehicle or boat an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner.

Cruelty to animals is an unclassified misdemeanor and the offender shall be fined no less than one hundred fifty dollars and no more than one thousand dollars; or imprisoned for no less than one day and no more than one year in jail; or ordered to complete community service.

For a second offense occurring within five years of a previous offense of cruelty to animals, the offender shall be fined no less than four hundred dollars and no more than one thousand dollars; or imprisoned for no fewer than seven days and no more than one year; or ordered to complete no fewer than thirty days of community service.

For a third offense occurring within five years of a previous offense of cruelty to animals, the offender shall be fined no less than nine hundred dollars and no more than one thousand dollars; or imprisoned for no fewer than ninety days and no more than one year; or ordered to complete no fewer than ninety days of community service.

For a fourth or subsequent offense occurring within five years of a previous offense of cruelty to animals, the offender shall be ordered to receive a psychiatric or psychological evaluation.