AR SB280

Expands animal cruelty laws to include "equines" (replacing references to "horses") in all relevant criminal statutes covering aggravated cruelty charges under § 5-62-104.

Establishes aggravated cruelty to equines as a Class D felony with penalties including up to 400 hours of community service and mandatory psychiatric/psychological evaluation and treatment at the offender's expense.

Elevates subsequent offenses of aggravated cruelty to equines committed within 5 years to Class C felony status with mandatory evaluation and treatment requirements.

Allows multiple acts of cruelty against different animals committed within a 24-hour period to be treated as a single offense rather than separate charges.

Applies enhanced sentencing provisions (up to 5 additional years imprisonment) when aggravated cruelty offenses are committed in the presence of a child and establishes related immunity protections for good-faith reporters.