It is a large responsibility caring for animals. Sometimes, this responsibility can become overwhelming for some people and in some cases, criminal charges can be filed. That may have been the case for a chicken ranch, who is facing Animal Abuse charges after numerous hens and chickens were found in poor conditions. According to the news story, the chicken ranch allegedly kept a number of hens in cages too small for them to fully spread their wings. Prosecutors reported that after doing a search of the ranch, nearly 30,000 hens were found in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Many egg-laying hens were sharing cages with dead and decaying chickens. In Denver and Adams County, the ranch would likely be facing charges of Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202.
Facing Animal Cruelty charges?
Get Help Now!Cruelty to Animals Lawyer in Douglas and Arapahoe County | Hens Found in Unsanitary, Small Cages = Animal Abuse
In Douglas and Arapahoe County, Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, charges occur under many circumstances. As it applies to the news story, some ways Animal Abuse charges occur is if:
“(1)(a) A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence overdrives, overloads, overworks, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beats, allows to be housed in a manner that results in chronic or repeated serious physical harm, carries or confines in or upon any vehicles in a cruel or reckless manner, engages in a sexual act with an animal, or otherwise mistreats or neglects any animal, or causes or procures it to be done, or, having the charge or custody of any animal, fails to provide it with proper food, drink, or protection from the weather consistent with the species, breed, and type of animal involved, or abandons an animal.”
“(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.”
Since nearly 30,000 hens were found in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, and since many were found sharing cages with dead or dying chickens, the ranch would likely face charges of Animal Cruelty. Cruelty to Animals (upon an initial conviction) is a class 1 misdemeanor, which is subject to up to an 18 month Jefferson County Jail sentence and up to $5,000 in fines. An anger management treatment program or other appropriate treatment program may also be required. If the chickens that were found dead were killed “knowingly”, Animal Cruelty charges would increase to a class 6 felony.
Jefferson County Animal Abuse Lawyer | Why You Need the Best Animal Cruelty Lawyer from the O'Malley Law Office
In Jefferson County, it is not difficult to face charges of Cruelty to Animals. Animal control officers will issue a ticket when someone complains about conditions they see other animals in. Perhaps a neighbor calls police, saying that your dog was left outside, barking for hours, when you were on your way home to bring it inside. In other cases, someone may complain about a dog riding in the back of your pickup truck. Still, under other circumstances, someone may call an animal control officer after seeing a dog left in your car on a hot day. Whatever the case may be for your Cruelty to Animals charges or accusations, you should always involve a competent criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court. Our government has no compassion towards those who had no intention of harming their pet. Call the O'Malley Law Office today for a free initial consultation so we can discuss your Animal Abuse charges in more detail.
Get Help Now
If you or a loved one faces charges of Cruelty to Animals in Colorado, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880 for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation
Image Credit: Pixabay – zdenet
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