Cruelty to Animals – C.R.S. 18-9-202 is a serious offense in Logan, Weld, and Morgan County, Colorado. An Evans man was under investigation recently for animal cruelty. According to reports, police conducted a search of his property after suspicions of cockfighting. They found only one rooster and no evidence of cockfighting, but they seized 13 horses because they appeared to be underfed. The Evans man faced 12 counts of misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals.
What is Cruelty to Animals in Weld County?
You will be charged with Cruelty to Animals if you overwork, overdrive, torment, torture, needlessly kill or abandon an animal, transport an animal in a place where they could sustain harm, engage in a sexual act with an animal, fail to feed, house, or care for an animal, or deprive an animal of food, water or other items necessary for life. The sentence ranges anywhere from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 5 or 6 felony (for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, which is charged when a person knowingly tortures, needlessly mutilates or needlessly kills an animal).
Police and Animal Control Have Authority to Seize Animals
When Evans police searched the man’s property for evidence of cockfighting, they discovered the horses. According to Colorado law, a police officer has the authority to take possession of an animal if they have probable cause. If they believe an animal has been a victim of animal cruelty, or if they believe the animals would be in danger if they stayed on the property, they have the authority to impound the animal. After the Evan man’s horses were impounded, the court ordered that he must pay a large fee for the care of his horses. If he was unable to pay this fee, he would lose ownership and the horses would be sent to a shelter.
Don’t Volunteer Information or Allow Animal Control Onto Your Property
It is important to understand that police or animal control officers have an enormous amount of authority when it comes to animals. If police or animal control officers come to your door, do not let them in your house or onto your property unless they have a warrant. Don’t give them a statement. If police see something they believe could be animal cruelty, they have the authority to impound any animals or pets they see fit.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Cruelty to Animals in Greeley, Erie or Windsor, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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