NYC Animal Cruelty Attorney

If the government has wrongfully accused you of animal cruelty, you can team up with an NYC animal cruelty lawyer to fight back.

Although animals don’t have rights and are generally considered to be the property of their owners, over the years our society has become more focused on animal welfare. States like New York have passed laws that prohibit animal cruelty. The government now aggressively prosecutes animal cruelty cases. If you have been charged with a crime related to animal cruelty, you face serious consequences if convicted.

An experienced NYC animal cruelty attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing and develop an effective defense strategy for your case. Cody Warner is a dog owner who understands that well-meaning, loving pet owners can unjustifiably be charged with criminal offenses related to the ownership of their pets.

New York Law Prohibits Animal Cruelty in Various Forms

Many people who face animal cruelty charges are often unaware that the alleged conduct is punishable by law. Under New York law, the following is considered animal cruelty and can result in a criminal charge:

Neglecting an animal;
Torturing, mutilating, or maiming an animal;
Injuring or beating an animal cruelly or unnecessarily;
Abandoning an animal;
Overworking an animal;
Confining animals in a cruel or reckless manner, including during transportation;
Leaving a pet in a car with dangerous conditions;
Leaving a pet outside without adequate shelter;
Dogfighting and cockfighting; or
Hoarding animals and failing to provide proper care.

Depending on the nature of the accusation, you could face misdemeanor or felony animal cruelty charges. If convicted, you could go to jail for more than a year and be required to pay thousands of dollars in fines. An NYC animal cruelty attorney can defend you against these charges and get you the best possible result.

Animal Neglect

Charges involving animal neglect are based upon accusations that you have failed to provide adequate care for the animal. For example, the following could be considered animal neglect and result in a criminal charge:

Failure to feed the animal or provide water;
Failure to provide adequate shelter; or
Failure to provide reasonable veterinary care.

If the prosecution has alleged that you neglected to care for your animals, contact an NYC animal cruelty attorney so that you can develop a strategic defense for your case.

Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

You can be charged with a felony if accused of killing or seriously injuring a pet or companion animal intentionally, in a particularly sadistic manner, or with the intention of causing extreme pain. If convicted, you could face up to two years in prison.

An experienced NYC animal cruelty lawyer can assess the evidence against you and gather the evidence you need to build a strong defense.

Animal Hoarding

The prosecution can charge you with a misdemeanor if they believe that you are failing to provide proper sustenance to your animals as a result of hoarding them. Hoarding cases are often based on someone else’s speculation that the owner isn’t providing adequate care, and oftentimes, there isn’t sufficient evidence that the animals have actually been harmed.

If you have been charged with a crime based on allegations of animal hoarding, you need an NYC animal cruelty attorney who will evaluate your case to determine the best path forward.

Organized Animal Fighting & Dog Fighting

Any type of animal fighting for amusement or profit is illegal under New York law. This can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the level of the defendant’s participation. For example, a dog breeder may be considered less involved than the owner of the dog who enters the animal into fights.

If you have been charged with a crime in connection with animal fighting, you could face serious consequences if you are convicted. To protect your rights, you should speak with an NYC animal cruelty attorney as soon as possible.