Have you been falsely accused of Animal Cruelty, Animal Abuse or received an Animal Cruelty Ticket in Greeley, Colorado? This misdemeanor offense may seem simple, but can carry harsh penalties if you are convicted, including large fines and time in jail. According to the news cases of Cruelty to Animals are on the rise in Colorado. There has been an apparent rise of over 30% in reported cases in Colorado over the last year. At the O’Malley Law Office, our defense attorneys know that false reports from angry neighbors, or accidents where a pet is harmed, can happen. It is important to have knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys working on your case. Below, our attorneys discuss Animal Cruelty / Animal Abuse charges. If you are facing an Animal Cruelty ticket in Fort Collins, get help here.
Definition of Animal Abuse / Animal Cruelty, C.R.S. 18-9-202, in Weld County
The definition of Cruelty to Animals / Animal Cruelty, C.R.S. 18-9-202, in Weld County is:
(b) Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.
(1.5)(a) A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she recklessly or with criminal negligence tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
(b) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
(c) A person commits cruelty to a service animal or a certified police working dog or certified police working horse if he or she violates the provisions of subsection (1) of this section with respect to a service animal, certified police working dog, or certified police working horse, as those terms are defined in section 18-9-201(2.3) , (2.4) , and (4.7) , whether the service animal, certified police working dog, or certified police working horse is on duty or not on duty.
What is the Difference Between Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals in Ault, Colorado?
In Ault and Evans, Animal Cruelty is a misdemeanor offense, but if you are convicted of Cruelty to Animals a second or subsequent time, then you could face an Aggravated Animal Cruelty charge. You can also face an Aggravated Cruelty to Animals charge if you “knowingly” tortured, needlessly killed, or maimed an animal. This charge is a felony and can carry prison time, fines, and the inability to own an animal for up to 5 years.
Examples of Cruelty to Animals in Weld County
Abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of an animal are board terms that make up a Cruelty to Animals in Weld County. Some common examples are:
- Overworking an animal
- Beating or hurting an animal
- Not providing adequate food or water
- Housing an animal in a hazardous way
- Not providing shelter or adequate protection from weather, such as rain, snow or hot sun
- Carrying or confining in a vehicle in an unsafe way
It is important to note, that a person could face federal charges under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act that Congress passed in 2019. Federal charges could happen if serious harm happens to an animal such as: crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, or impalement and the person took videos of the acts that were sold across state lines.
Sentence and Punishments for Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals in Greeley, Colorado
In Greeley, the sentence for Cruelty to Animals is a class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of 6 – 18 months in the Weld County Jail, $500 – $5,000 in fines, and classes such as an anger management treatment program or on animal care, may be required. This sentence is only on a first conviction if the court finds that the case was not Aggravated Animal Cruelty. If you are convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, the sentence is a class 6 felony with penalties of 1 – 1 ½ years in the Colorado State Prison, $1,000 – $100,000 in fines, 1 year of mandatory parole, an anger management treatment program, and a court order to not own or be in contact with pets for 3 – 5 years. It is also important to note that whether you are convicted of a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony, the animal victim in the case will be impounded and possibly euthanized by animal control.
Hiring a Leading Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney When Facing an Animal Cruelty Ticket
Facing an Animal Cruelty Ticket can have dire consequences for you and your family. Imagine losing a member of the family to the government, because a member of your family did not predict your pet could be injured. Having an aggressive criminal defense attorney fighting for you and your pet is a necessity. Animal Cruelty cases can be dismissed and have favorable outcomes with evidence from eyewitnesses, veterinarians, and pet experts. It is important you hire an attorney who can help you navigate the evidence in your case – even if it looks harsh.