Cruelty to Animals is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of abusing or neglecting an animal. When the animal dies, then Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is charged. Recently, a man was charged with this offense after shooting a neighbor’s wolf dog. According to the report, a wolf sanctuary had one of their wolf dogs had escaped and was at the property line. While the owner was attempting to get the dog, the neighbor shot the dog and then allegedly pointed the gun at the owner. While it’s always sad when an animal dies, if an animal that resembled a wolf was not restrained and close to me, I would be terrified. It does not mention if the man claimed to be acting in self-defense, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the defense strategy.
Animal Cruelty Attorney in Fort Collins: Definition of Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals – C.R.S. 18-9-202 – is:
(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 or a certified police working dog or police working horse if he or she violates the provisions of subsection (1) of this section with respect to a service animal, certified police working dog, or police working horse, as those terms are defined in section 18-9-201 (2.3), (2.4), and (4.7), whether the service animal, certified police working dog, or police working horse is on duty or not on duty.
The neighbor was likely charged under (1.5)(b) for knowingly killing an animal.
Sentence for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals for Killing Wolf Dog in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is a class 6 felony for a first offense and a class 5 felony for a second or subsequent offense. The class 6 felony Animal Cruelty conviction is punishable by 12 to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Animal Cruelty, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. We also practice in Greeley – Weld County. CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR GREELEY SITE. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Nicky Pe