What constitutes "animal abuse" under Florida law?

The concept of "animal abuse" under Florida law encompasses any action that causes harm or suffering to an animal, whether it is intentional or negligent. This means that both deliberate acts of cruelty and negligent actions that result in harm fall under the definition of animal abuse. The law recognizes that, regardless of intent, actions leading to an animal's physical or psychological distress are serious offenses.

Neglecting an animal's basic needs and improper housing conditions can lead to harmful situations, but they are more often categorized as forms of neglect rather than direct abuse. Allowing an animal to run free without supervision, while potentially dangerous, does not directly imply causing harm or suffering. Therefore, the focus of the correct answer is on the direct causation of harm, which clearly aligns with the legal understanding of animal abuse in Florida.