Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies recently made four arrests in what they believe was a cockfighting operation in the backyard of a Valinda home, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Charges involving animal cruelty in California are serious, as the state has some of the most comprehensive animal cruelty laws in the United States. Because of their severity, they should not be treated lightly. Consult with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.
In the case in Valinda, deputies told The Times they discovered more than 40 birds in the 15800 block of Fairgrove Avenue in San Gabriel Valley. Authorities said about 100 people at the home fled when deputies arrived.
While authorities speculated the fight may have taken days to prepare, a neighbor told the newspaper she was surprised to hear that an illegal cockfighting operation had taken place. Authorities said the homeowner wasn't present when deputies arrived and they are investigating whether that person was involved.
Deputies arrested three adults and one juvenile on charges of suspicion of watching an animal fight exhibition, which is a misdemeanor. While law enforcement investigates this case, it is possible that others will be charged or charges against those arrested will increase. That's why it's important to prepare a defense as soon as possible in situations like these.
California has dozens of laws dedicated to the fighting of animals for sport. Most are punishable as misdemeanors, which could involve jail time and fines, but it is possible for prosecutors to seek felony charges in some cases, which could result in prison time and probation.
Prosecutors have the discretion to file a crime under the more specific animal cruelty laws, or under the more general animal abuse descriptions in Penal Code 597. Depending on the seriousness of the case, the defendant's criminal history and the law under which the crime is prosecuted, animal cruelty can be charged as an infraction, a misdemeanor or a felony. Defendants with criminal histories can have these charges enhanced and before you know it, the person could be facing serious prison time.
If you need to speak with an animal abuse defense attorney in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez and Associates at 213-223-2173 for a free consultation.
