Cruelty to Animals is charged in Larimer County when a person is accused of mistreating, neglecting, harming, or needlessly killing an animal. Recently, a 78-year-old Fort Collins woman was charged with this offense following an investigation by the Larimer County Sheriff. When deputies arrived with a veterinarian, they found that several livestock had been neglected and had not been fed properly. Other livestock were found dead on the property, and one animal had to be euthanized. The woman is now facing two counts of misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals.
1. Larimer County Court Definition of Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202
The Larimer County Court definition of Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, is as follows:
While Animal Abuse charges can result from knowingly harming an animal, they are often the result of unintentional acts of neglect. Even a seemingly innocuous act like driving your truck with your dogs in the bed could lead to being charged with Cruelty to Animals.
2. Cruelty to Animals vs. Aggravated Cruelty in Loveland and Estes Park
When a person “needlessly tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal” in Loveland or Estes Park, they will be charged with either Cruelty to Animals or Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. The difference between these two charges is the defendant’s intent behind the harm rendered to the animal. Recklessly torturing, killing, or mutilating an animal – that is, acting with disregard that a substantial and unjustifiable risk will take place – will result in Cruelty to Animals charges. Aggravated Cruelty is instead charged when a person knowingly tortures, mutilates, or kills an animal. This means that the person who harmed the animal was aware of their conduct, and knew that it would likely result in harm to the animal.
3. Larimer County Jail Time & Other Penalties for Animal Abuse in Fort Collins
Animal Abuse entails numerous penalties in Fort Collins, including time at the Larimer County Jail, fines, and mandatory treatment programs. Penalties are outlined as follows in the table below:
| Circumstances | Classification | Penalties |
| First Cruelty to Animals offense | Class 1 misdemeanor / M1 |
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| Second or subsequent conviction of Cruelty to Animals | Class 6 felony / F6 |
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| Aggravated Cruelty to Animals | Class 4 felony / F4 |
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Cruelty to Animals is always a hefty charge, regardless of whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Don’t wait, and contact a top criminal defense lawyer today to represent you at the Larimer County Courts if you have been charged.
Have you been charged with Cruelty to Animals or Aggravated Cruelty to Animals? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Never talk to the Fort Collins Police or Larimer County Animal Control. Instead call 970-658-0007 to discuss your charges with a top Larimer County criminal defense lawyer. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Edward Eyer