HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Since Libre’s Law went into effect in 2017, over 72,000 animal abuse offenses have been filed statewide.
In a review of cases from Aug. 2017 to Dec. 2025, 63% of cases were for neglect of animal(s). 27% of cases were for cruelty to an animal and 10% of cases were for aggravated cruelty to an animal.
Almost 50% of defendants accused of animal cruelty fall into the age ranges of 26-35 or 46-65. 52% of defendants in these cases are men.
Of the 10 counties with the highest number of animal abuse cases, Allegheny County makes up an alarming 14% of state-wide cases. Lancaster County, where the Boston Terrier puppy who inspired this law was found, makes up 4% of cases.
Libre’s Law is an anti-cruelty law that strengthened the protection of animals, and increased the penalties for animal abuse in the state including making aggravated assault of an animal a felony.
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If you suspect animal abuse and would like to report it, you should contact your local humane society or local police station. You can find your local humane society police officer here.
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