Kathrine Alderman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
A lot of people treat animals like their children. They care for them and see them as another member of the family. Even those who don't have pets often appreciate them. No matter your stance on pets, or any animals for that matter, most people don't want to see them hurt, neglected or being tormented. Sadly, it's a reality that sometimes happens, but what can you do to help an animal in distress, and what happens to those who put the animal in that situation?
Animal cruelty is a crime. This doesn't necessarily mean that the person who committed the act will go to jail, as there are sometimes extenuated circumstances. However, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree, meaning it is punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a fine of no more than $5,000.
If you notice an animal is being mistreated, whether it is a dog that has been tied up without food or water or a horse that you don't think is being taken care of properly, you can call the Jefferson County Sherriff's Office (JCSO), and they will send someone out to check on the animal. After laying eyes on the animal and confirming it is being neglected or abused, they will try to take the animal away and place it somewhere it will be cared for. If the person refuses, then they could be charged with a misdemeanor.
There are more severe circumstances, such as the abuse being confirmed to have been intentional or the neglect and abuse resulting in the animal's death. Such abuse can result in a third-degree felony. If it goes further, and the abuse was done to torture the animal, the person shall pay a minimum fine of $2,500 and undergo psychological counseling or complete an anger management treatment program.
If a person neglects or abuses multiple animals and has multiple offenses for each act, they can be charged for each act of cruelty. For each animal they commit it against, they can also be charged with a separate offense for each animal that it was acted upon.
Generally, when one thinks of someone treating an animal cruelly, they immediately think of pets, such as cats and dogs. However, these laws apply to any animal, such as horses and cows as well. There is even a clause explicitly prohibiting the tripping, felling, roping or lassoing the legs of a horse for entertainment or sport. It obviously doesn't apply if it's done in the horse's interest or stops the horse from posing a threat to someone. Still, the point remains, these laws are in place to help all animals and keep them safe from those who would hurt them.
Most people wouldn't treat an animal poorly on purpose, but it's important to keep in mind that it really is a crime. The JCSO, any officer of the state or any police officer of any city or town in the state of Florida, is allowed to arrest anyone found violating the animal cruelty, abandonment and abuse laws without a warrant. That isn't to say they will. Their first act would be to take the animal away from the abuser, hoping that the neglect was not done to intentionally harm the animal.
If you suspect or have evidence that an animal is being neglected, abused or confined without the proper food, water and exercise, you can call the JCSO at (850) 997 2523. They will dispatch to the location, lay eyes on the animal and, if necessary, work with animal control to help the animal out of the situation and into a safe environment.
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