1. (1) A person is guilty of criminal abuse or neglect in the second degree when he or she wantonly abuses or neglects another person or permits another person of whom he or she has actual custody to be abused or neglected and thereby:

   1. (a) Causes serious physical injury; or
   2. (b) Places him or her in a situation that creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of serious physical injury; or
   3. (c) Causes torture, cruel confinement, or cruel punishment; to a person under thirteen (13) years old, or who is physically helpless or mentally helpless.
2. (2) Criminal abuse or neglect in the second degree is a Class D felony.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 13, effective July 15, 2026. -- Created 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 168, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1982.