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It’s difficult to imagine harm coming to animals around you. Yet, every year we hear stories of people leaving dogs, cats, or other such creatures being left in unbelievably inhumane conditions. From being left in abandoned apartments to being locked in vehicles in the hot summer sun, people can be cruel to their pets.
A person who abandons a pet may do so for, what they consider to be good reasons. Perhaps they can no longer care for the pet as they were once able. Maybe their family situation has changed and the pet no longer fits into the home.
But abandoning a pet isn’t the answer. On top of injuring the animals, you can also find yourself in criminal liability pursuant to Florida Statute 828.12(1) & 828.12(2), the rules that regulate Animal Cruelty.
Even if you hurt an animal accidentally, like leaving your pet in the car while you run into grab milk, you can find yourself with Cruelty to Animal charges against you. It’s possible you might end up facing a $5,000.00 fine, or a year and jail.
However, if the State of Florida believes you committed the act intentionally, then you will face the larger charge of third-degree felony of Cruelty to Animals. The punishment for this charge is $10,000.00 or up to 5 years in prison.
As animal lovers ourselves, we find it hard to understand how someone would be cruel to animals. But, we can understand that the State may be accusing you of something that may not fit either of these two categories. If that is the case, we would love to help clear your good name or negotiate the best possible outcome on your behalf.
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, we encourage you to visit a local animal shelter and check out the needy friends there. You can also take a look at http://www.rescueme.org/ to start searching for that next family member![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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