Both dogs and humans love companionship, but is becoming a dog owner the best way to receive it? Perhaps not, especially if the relationship between an owner and his pet becomes strained. In one situation, a man was charged with animal cruelty after his dog was found away from home with electrical tape around his snout. His pet was unable to eat or drink anything when it was found by another man. The man who found the dog removed the electrical tape around his nose. He noticed injuries around the dog's mouth as a result of the tape. In addition to the injuries, the dog was dehydrated. He was so thirsty that he drank two buckets full of water. Situations like this one occur frequently, and most of the time on accident. Unfortunately, criminal charges are also often filed as a result of a situation like this. In today's blog, we'll take a look at the law on Cruelty to Animals in Colorado.

Facing Animal Cruelty charges?

What Is Animal Cruelty in Denver?

The stakes are high when it comes to charges of animal cruelty. You need a criminal defense lawyer to fight hard for your future.

Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202 in Denver and Douglas County occurs in a variety of cases. Sometimes it occurs intentionally, and sometimes unintentionally. In the case of this man and his dog, he faces charges of Animal Cruelty because he failed to provide his dog with proper food or drink, mistreated it and neglected it. This leaves him at risk of being convicted of animal abuse and likely to face sentencing. Cruelty to Animals is normally charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. However, mistreatment to animals can lead to more serious charges of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is a class 6 felony in Colorado, which means a person could face a year to 18 months in prison. For a second or subsequent conviction of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, it is a class 5 felony. With a second or subsequent conviction of any crime under C.R.S. 18-9-202, someone will be required to complete an anger management program or an additional treatment program, as well as face a mandatory minimum fine of one thousand dollars. As you can see, the stakes are high when it comes to animal abuse. You should always hire an expert criminal defense lawyer early on if facing criminal charges. An expert lawyer will fight hard for your future.

Animal Abuse and Neglect—Colorado Has Alternatives

If you are struggling with caring properly for your pet, don't let yourself get into a situation that could lead to a charge of animal neglect in Jefferson or Adams County, or anywhere else in Colorado. As stated above, most dogs and humans love to be in the presence of one another, but sometimes people underestimate the attention an animal requires. The Dumb Friends League is a popular shelter in Denver that has a list of options for you if you cannot care properly for your pet. Friends and family members are also a good option to turn to if you feel that you simply cannot be there as much as you'd like to for your dog or cat.

Why You Need the Best Denver Defense Attorneys to Help

An aggressive defense attorney will help defend you in court when facing animal cruelty charges.

When cruelty to animals happens in Arapahoe and Morgan County, it is often witnessed by others, just as in this case. If witnessed, any harm to an animal is likely reported to the police. This is why it is important for you to contact a criminal defense attorney to stand by you as soon as possible if facing Animal Cruelty charges. The criminal defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office can give you hope by meeting with you at our office early on in your case.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one is facing Animal Cruelty charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney 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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