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Facing Animal Abuse Charges in Missouri
Admin • May 27, 2019
Animal abuse is a serious allegation. In spite of the fact that dogs, cats, and other animals are not humans, the law protects them from abusive and cruel acts. While personal opinions regarding abuse and cruelty may vary, Missouri has laws that spell out the specifics.
If you have been charged with animal abuse, keep reading. Your livelihood and your freedom could be at stake.
What Are Missouri's Animal Abuse Laws?
According to Missouri laws, an individual is guilty of animal abuse if they kill or injure an animal intentionally and purposely. Some exceptions are made in cases where animals may need to be put to sleep because they are suffering, for example.
Examples of these types of abuse might include poisoning a neighbor's pet. In some cases, abuse can be the intentional deprivation of food or water. It does not always have to involve willful acts but can sometimes include negligence.
Additionally, it is a crime in Missouri to own an animal you are unable to provide adequate care for. For example, you may have procured a wild animal from another country that is not legal to own at a residence in Missouri. Another example might be if you had a sick or injured pet you refused to seek medical treatment for.
What Are the Punishments for Animal Abuse?
In most cases, animal abuse is a Class A misdemeanor. This misdemeanor comes with a jail sentence of up to one year in jail and fines increasing up to $2,000.
If you have been accused of torture of an animal, you could face the punishments as harsh as those associated with a Class D felony. As with other felonies, a Class D felony can result in prison time and severe fines.
Keep in mind that additional charges may apply if you are also charged with videotaping or recording animal abuse or if you have also stolen an animal. Each case is examined on an individual basis to determine if you could face charges.
How Can You Defend Yourself Against Animal Abuse Charges?
The best way to fight back against potential allegations of animal cruelty is to hire a criminal defense attorney. Many people may think that hiring an attorney shows the world that they are guilty, but this is simply not true, and an attorney's help can be vital to your case.
Several defenses are available to fight back against animal abuse charges. One prominent defense is that of self-defense. Perhaps you had to harm an animal because it was attacking your or your child, for example. Some modes of self-defense may be considered justified according to Missouri's criminal justice system.
You may also be able to claim that you were defending your livestock. For example, dogs may have been attacking animals on your farm and you were forced to act quickly before your animals were killed.
Intent is one portion of the law. You may be able to defend yourself in court by claiming that actions you took that harmed an animal were unintentional or unknown. For instance, you may not have known that an animal was ill or injured and needed medical attention.
Ultimately, the prosecution has the burden of proof. The team must be able to show that you acted not only negligently, but also out of cruelty.
David Naumann & Associates
provides legal services for those contending with criminal charges. Call our office today to set up a consultation with an attorney who understands your situation and is willing to work hard to get you out of it. You have rights, and you have legal options.
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