The crime of Cruelty to Animals in Jefferson County, Colorado if often linked to Animal Abuse and typically involves harm to domestic animals. In addition, extreme conditions for farm animals like horses, cattle, and chickens can also leave an owner susceptible to charges if they are not careful. It is important to understand the law when it comes to animal abuse and neglect. Whether the animal is harmed intentionally or unintentionally, law enforcement will not hesitate to investigate any report of animal abuse. An experienced Cruelty to Animals Attorney can be the difference for you and your family if you're facing a charge.
Cruelty to Animals Attorney | Definitions
Colorado law defines C.R.S. 18-9-202 Cruelty to Animals as:
“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 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.”
This definition is a vast list of conditions that can easily lead to an investigation and charge. Punishment can range from a misdemeanor all the way up to a class 5 felony with time behind bars. A conviction will also likely include a considerable amount of time on probation.
Examples of Cruelty to Animals in Jefferson County, Colorado
The extreme temperatures that come with living in Colorado can be difficult to navigate if you bring your pet along in the car. Let's say you have a dog that habitually wreaks havoc on your house when left at home. You decide that you'll bring him along to run your errands on a particularly hot day in July. Should you leave Fido in the car for even five minutes while you run inside, you could be looking at a Cruelty to Animals charge. A recently revised statute 13-21-108.4 in Colorado, allows suspicious civilians to “intervene” if they see an animal in a locked car in extreme temperatures. Someone can attempt to free your pet from this situation if they feel inclined. They also might choose to report their findings to local police or Animal Control.
Charged with Cruelty to Animals? | Defense Attorney Next Steps
It is very important to not engage law enforcement or Animal Control if they come asking questions about your animals. Exercise your right to remain silent at your front door. Don't give any incriminating statements and don't let them into your home or backyard. Finally, contact a skilled cruelty to animals attorney right away.
If you or someone you know is facing a Cruelty to Animals charge, call Sawyer Legal Group today at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
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