CRUELTY TO ANIMALS 

Cruelty to animals is something nobody feels good about, but it does happen, and it’s not always intentional. The importance of hiring a criminal defense attorney after this type of case is absolutely essential. People who are convicted of animal cruelty are often looked at with as much scorn as those who have been convicted of sex crimes. You’re likely to get the past behind you and get on with your life. Whether you’ve been charged with animal neglect, hoarding or some other type of animal cruelty, the sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better outcome your case will have. Don’t waste time thinking the whole thing will blow over. Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you get a chance.

Animal Cruelty 

Animal cruelty can come in many forms. Basically, cruelty to animals involves either some type of neglect or a behavior that causes intentional harm to an animal. Some of the more common types of animal cruelty that come to mind are malicious mistreatment of animals or animal neglect and abandonment. Both of these offenses are taken very seriously. Malicious mistreatment of animals may include poisoning, beating or injuring an animal. These intentional acts cause harm and suffering to animals. Listed below are a few examples of different types of animal cruelty. 

Examples of Animal Cruelty 

• Mistreatment of animals
• Neglecting animals
• Improperly feeding an animal
• Having sex with an animal
• Leaving a pet in a car
• Using a live animal as a lure or bait in dog race training or racing
• Killing, injuring or poisoning an animal
• Hurting, beating or injuring an animal
• Overworking an animal
• Participating in or watching an organized dog fighting event
• Tormenting an animal
• Abandoning an animal
• Transporting or confining an animal in an inhumane manner
• Depriving an animal of necessary sustenance
• Hoarding animals 

Self Defense  

Your first step after an animal cruelty charge needs to be contacting an experienced and proven defense attorney. In many cases of so-called animal cruelty, people were only defending themselves. If you injure an animal that is attacking you or a loved one, you don’t deserve to be slapped with an animal cruelty charge. You are entitled to defend yourself and your children in the event of an animal attack. These types of cases are common with neighborhoods that often have dogs running loose. Some irresponsible person may let their semi-feral, aggressive dogs run loose. What are you supposed to do but protect yourself and your family? 

Defense of Livestock 

Along the same lines as self defense, is the defense of your own animals. It’s not uncommon to hear about roaming dogs attacking peoples goats, sheep, horses and cattle. These dogs, often ‘belonging’ to somebody in the area, can maim, injure and kill valuable animals. If you’re lucky, you might end up with hundreds or thousands of dollars in vet bills. In the worst case scenario, you lose your livestock. Taking matters into your own hands can often complicate things, but if it was the only thing you could do to protect your flock or herd, than you shouldn’t be penalized for it.