The Animal Cruelty Act defines extreme cruelty as what?

The Animal Cruelty Act defines extreme cruelty specifically as the infliction of prolonged, ongoing extreme pain on animals. This definition is critical because it differentiates between various levels of mistreatment and focuses on the severity of the harm inflicted. Extreme cruelty implies a deliberate and sustained action that causes significant suffering to an animal, which warrants serious legal consequences.

The other choices reflect different forms of neglect or mistreatment, such as negligent behavior, failure to provide shelter, and not feeding animals. While these actions may certainly be considered abusive or harmful in their own right and can fall under animal welfare laws, they do not encapsulate the specific legal definition of "extreme cruelty." The emphasis on "prolonged, ongoing extreme pain" highlights the seriousness and intentionality of the act, which is crucial for determining legal accountability under the Animal Cruelty Act.