What constitutes the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals?

The offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals primarily involves actions that inflict serious harm or distress upon these animals. Killing an animal without permission encompasses a severe violation of their welfare, as it demonstrates a disregard for the animal's life and well-being. This act is a clear and serious form of cruelty, illustrating a lack of respect for the legal protections afforded to animals.

In contrast, causing minor injuries, feeding poorly, or not keeping them in cages could illustrate negligence or a lack of proper care, but they do not rise to the level of the serious offense defined by outright killing. Each of these actions may have consequences and may indicate poor treatment, but they do not specifically encompass the same severity as taking a life without authorization. The law emphasizes the protection of animals as sentient beings, and the act of killing reflects a definitive violation of those protections. Thus, the correct answer highlights the most severe form of cruelty recognized under animal protection laws.