In today’s world, Cruelty to Animals – C.R.S. 18-9-202, is easily charged. In the past, animals weren’t on the same level as humans. For example, dogs were working animals on ranches, herding sheep or cattle. They were more useful and less of a pet than in modern times. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it creates confusion when it comes to the law in Larimer, Boulder, and Jackson County. Animal cruelty charges are common. Is it because people are actually cruel to animals, or are laws too strict? Let’s look closely at a recent case in order to understand this concept better.
What is Cruelty to Animals in Loveland or Fort Collins
Cruelty to Animals is charged whenever a person “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 any animal.” This is a long definition, and the statute goes on to include many other situations. We want to focus on a specific definition, however:
Abandoning an Animal in Loveland or Ft. Collins
Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.
The term “abandon” means “leaving of an animal without adequate provisions for the animal’s proper care by its owner.” This law looks like it makes sense. But, when you look at a recent case, you can see it’s a bit extreme.
Animal Cruelty Charges: A Recent Case of Abandonment
A Colorado man recently pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges. According to news reports, he tried to leave his dog at a local animal shelter twice. Apparently, the dog tried to follow him home both times. The man said he had gotten the dog the year before at the same shelter, and returned there to surrender the animal. He didn’t want to fill out the required paperwork for surrendering an animal, so he simply left the dog in the office. Since the dog followed him home, the man never actually surrended the animal. Obviously the animal wasn’t terribly loyal – a few days later the man was in LA when the dog ran away. Regardless, the man plead guilty to animal cruelty charges. We can’t help but wonder if this fits the definition of abandonment. The man left his dog at a shelter designated to care for animals. While his actions may not be commendable, it is doubtful whether or not his actions were criminal.
[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”75%”]Our culture has a reverence for animals, and often overlooks common sense when it comes to Animal Cruelty charges.[/pullquote]Animal Cruelty Charges Demand an Experienced Attorney
If you are facing animal cruelty charges, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our culture has a reverence for animals and often overlooks common sense when it comes to charging people with Cruelty to Animals. Don’t let your future be damaged because of our culture’s obsession with protecting animals. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights and your future.