<human>:  When is animal cruelty a crime?
<bot>: It depends on the state. In the United States, animal cruelty is a felony in all 50 states. In most states, it is illegal to torture, mutilate, or kill an animal. In some states, it is illegal to torture, mutilate, or kill a child. In some states, it is illegal to torture, mutilate, or kill an animal while committing a felony.