Recent news of two Riverside men being charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning a horse comes on the heels of a restaurant owner not being charged with animal cruelty for painting a donkey and leaving it outside in 90 degree heat.
The cases show the disparity between who is charged and who isn't charged with animal cruelty and neglect. But regardless, these charges are serious and should be treated accordingly. Hiring a Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Attorney if charged would be the first move to make.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the two men were charged with felony suspicion of animal cruelty for allegedly walking a bruised and starving horse to a Riverside field and leaving it there. The horse makes more than 40 abandoned horses that have been recovered this year.
At the same time, NBC News reports that the Pink Taco restaurant in Century City has come under fire and drawn protests for painting a donkey pink and leaving it outside in 90 degree heat during a Cinco De Mayo promotion.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have moved closer to passing into law a bill that makes penalties for animal abuse and neglect more streamlined and bans street vendor animal sales, the San Francisco Chronicle says. The bill awaits approval by the California State Assembly.
As you can see, animal cruelty is a hot-button topic and likely will be forever. But while authorities sometimes make legitimate arrests, they also can arrest someone who doesn't intend to harm an animal at all. Animal cruelty in Los Angeles and elsewhere in California is serious and can be punished by up to a $20,000 fine and anywhere from one to three years in custody. That type of penalty can ruin careers, families and reputations. So, the charges should be fought aggressively.
Keep in mind that animal cruelty charges can and should be defended like any other type of criminal charge. For instance, self defense is applicable in animal cruelty cases. If you, a loved one or even your pet may be attacked by an animal you feel could do harm or cause death, you can use force to defend yourself.
Accidental deaths, like if a pet runs away and gets hit by a vehicle, happen all the time. And, unfortunately, there are cases of mistaken identity that ensnare people in the criminal justice system. Sometimes people try to tarnish someone's name to get revenge by making accusations of animal cruelty or neglect. Even though they're innocent of any crimes, they can be charged based on someone else's word.
But the first step anyone charged with animal cruelty should take is contacting an attorney that has experience in these types of cases. Don't speak with authority figures about the case. Pick up the phone and call an attorney.
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.
Previous Blog Entries:
Four Arrested in Alleged Los Angeles Cockfighting Ring Operation: May 19, 2011
