LA HB492

Amends Louisiana's animal cruelty statute (R.S. 14:102.1) to reorganize and clarify definitions of simple and aggravated cruelty to animals

Expands aggravated cruelty to include failing to provide proper food, water, shelter, or veterinary care when it results in an animal's death

Removes ownership language ("whether belonging to himself or another") from several provisions, broadening applicability regardless of animal ownership

Expands the abandonment exception to include delivering stray animals to shelters or rescue locations, not just animal control centers

Requires mandatory 40 hours (five 8-hour days) of community service for simple cruelty convictions, and mandatory psychological evaluation or anger management for second or subsequent offenses