Accusations Of Animal Cruelty In Pinellas County Have Major Ramifications

People tend to have a soft spot when it comes to animals, particularly dogs, cats, and other domesticated breeds. Allegations of abuse, neglect, or cruelty are not tolerated well. If you find yourself facing these types of accusations, get legal help, as they can have major ramifications in every area of your life. Our Seminole criminal attorney explains more about these charges and the serious penalties you could face.

Zero Tolerance For Animal Abuse In Pinellas County

According to a February 6, 2024 Tampa Bay News report, the police are looking for a person who they claim shot a local neighborhood cat with an arrow. The cat was recently found on 72nd Avenue North and 33rd Street North in St. Petersburg, in obvious distress and with what authorities describe as a black Wicked Ridge arrow with yellow fletching and an orange nock sticking out of its back.

Members of the animal protection group Cat Trap Fever Inc. ended up capturing the scared and wounded animal and took it to a local veterinary clinic. There, it underwent surgery to remove the arrow and is reportedly listed in serious condition.

People in the local community were all familiar with the cat and described it as very friendly. The police have zero tolerance in these types of cases and, in addition to their investigations, are soliciting tips from the public in an effort to identify the person who shot the cat. The perpetrator can face serious criminal charges for animal cruelty in Pinellas County, which may include a mandatory jail sentence.

Penalties For Animal Cruelty or Abuse In Pinellas County

Under the Florida Statutes, cruelty to animals is a serious crime and is often viewed by authorities as a precursor to more serious offenses. Penalties if convicted include:

• For overloading or overdriving work animals (such as horses) or tormenting, mutilating, or depriving any animal of necessary shelter and sustenance or otherwise treating it in what could be considered a cruel or inhumane manner, you could be facing first-degree misdemeanor charges, which carry up to $5,000 in fines and a one-year jail sentence.
• If the animal dies as a result of the abuse or neglect or endures torture and repeated infliction of suffering, you could be charged with a third-degree felony, which carries fines up to $10,000 and a five-year or longer prison sentence.

In addition to criminal penalties, these types of charges remain on your public record and could potentially cost you money, jobs, and relationships.

Get The Strong Legal Defense You Need From Our Pinellas County Criminal Attorney

Animal abuse and cruelty charges in Pinellas County are a serious matter. They can result in serious criminal penalties, which include a jail sentence, and may ruin your reputation for years to come. To get the strong criminal defense you need to protect yourself, contact The Reep Law Firm. We provide the trusted, local legal representation needed in these cases. Request a consultation with our Seminole criminal attorney today.

Sources:

tampabay.com/news/crime/2024/02/06/pinellas-detectives-seek-information-after-cat-shot-with-arrow/

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0828/Sections/0828.12.html