According to the news, a man faces accusations of killing a puppy that was recently adopted. The police responded to a call about an injured 7-month-old white Malti Poo mix. Police believed an argument unrelated to the puppy resulted in the puppy's death. In Denver, Arapahoe County and across Colorado, this man could face charges of Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202.

Facing Cruelty to Animals charges?

Cruelty to Animals Douglas County Lawyer: Cruelty to Animals Definition

The definition of Cruelty to Animals – Aggravated Cruelty to Animals – Service Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, in Douglas County is:

“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.

(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 if he or she violates the provisions of subsection (1) of this section with respect to a service animal as defined in section 18-1.3-602 (3.5), whether the service animal is on duty or not on duty.”

The part of this statute that would apply to the man in the news story is part (b). The man is accused of needlessly killing an adopted puppy. This would be considered aggravated cruelty to animals. Aggravated cruelty to animals is a class 6 felony, except that a second or subsequent conviction is a class 5 felony.

Animal Cruelty Often Unintentional in Jefferson and Adams County, Colorado

Unfortunately, you may face Animal Cruelty charges in Jefferson and Adams County after unintentionally causing harm to your animal or pet. For example, you can face Cruelty to Animals charges after leaving your pet in a hot vehicle, hitting your dog because it won't stop barking or overworking it when playing catch outside. Even the most unintentional harm caused to an animal can result in Cruelty to Animals charges in Colorado. If confronted by an Animal Control officer or police officer, do not give them any statements. Talking with them can result in heavy fines and possible imprisonment. If you've been charged or you have received a summons for court regarding Cruelty to Animals in Colorado, call the best Animal Cruelty attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office to schedule a free initial consultation.

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

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