For this Cruelty to Animals story, we are visiting the ‘why would you post that on Facebook?’ storyline that seems to be oh so popular in my blogs. No matter how many times I tell the cautionary tales, the need for approval on social media wins out and people end up posting things they really regret. A woman is definitely feeling that way after posting a picture of her dog with its mouth taped shut. The caption to the photo read, “This is what you get when you don’t shut up.” Instantly people were up in arms and commenting, to which she replied, “Don’t panic everyone. It was only for a minute and hasn’t barked since…POINT MADE!!!” However, her statement made no difference as the police department was inundated with calls reporting the incident. The woman was arrested for Cruelty to Animals- even though the animal was examined and was found to be completely healthy and not missing any hair where the tape was placed. Abuse of an Animal is one of those crimes where everyone wants to be involved. Maybe she should have used a muzzle.
Animal Cruelty and Animal Abuse in Weld County
The Weld, Morgan, and Logan County definition of Animal Cruelty – C.R.S. 18-9-202 – is:
Have you been charged with Animal Cruelty? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
Have you been charged with Animal Cruelty? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
The part of the statute that would apply to the woman above is, “or otherwise mistreats an animal.” This is a very vague statement, seeing as mistreatment can be a subjective thing. The dog did not experience any physical harm when the woman taped her mouth shut and the tape was quickly removed with no lasting effects on the dog’s health. While I am not at all condoning this behavior, I feel this outcry is an overreaction by the public. No one was abusing the dog. I am in no way okay with someone harming a dog, but in this case, there was no harm. Sounds a little over the top to me.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Animal Cruelty or Abuse in Greeley, Berthoud, or Windsor, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Mister GC