I would imagine that laws differ from state to state. Having said that, I believe that we have a moral obligation to provide the best life and care possible for animals under our care. When you take on the responsibility of being a pet parent, it's no different than taking care of a child. People who abuse animals are as despicable as people who abuse children and should be prosecuted for their behavior.
People who abuse animals are often the same people who abuse children. I noticed that when a story of cruelty to animals makes it into the news, half of the time the animal abuser also has an offense against children in his background. People who treat animals poorly almost always treat people poorly as well.
I think animals are usually seen as property, unfortunately. The standards of care required by law for both pets and livestock are pretty abysmal, in my opinion.
In my state, laws require adequate food, water, shelter and exercise for all animals in our care. I assume that is true in most states. Of course we should do it anyway, but people are sometimes stupid, uncaring or cruel, so laws are needed.
There are laws about cruelty to animals. You can get in trouble for lack of minimum care, ie. Food, water, shelter. And abuse. These laws would apply to pets, farm animals and animals for food.
Spunky 