Animal Cruelty Laws in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Usually, when we think of a criminal charge, we’re likely to think of offenses like assault ot theft that harm another human being. The criminal code of Pennsylvania has established offenses that cause harm to animals as well
The law protects animals from criminal acts, and these laws are important. Animals can’t report abuse and are relatively powerless when attacked. That’s why, when an individual commits animal cruelty, they might face criminal charges and harsh consequences.
While some cases might reach a conviction, there have been several instances of false reports. A wrongful charge of animal cruelty can have an extensive impact on an individual’s life.
So, let’s take a closer look at animal cruelty charges in PA and why you need an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer on your side.
Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Laws are Complicated
Cruelty is subjective, and several distinct acts might be considered cruel by different people. Therefore, the law considers “cruelty” by establishing separate charges for separate, distinguishable acts. Your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can inform you about the provisions, among which include:
| Act | Charge | Penalties |
| Maiming, mutilating, disfiguring, torturing, poisoning, or killing any cat or dog | First-degree misdemeanor (subsequent offense gets third-degree felony) | $1000 fine, 2 years incarceration, or mental evaluation |
| Maiming, disfiguring, poisoning, or killing any animal other than a cat or a dog | Second-degree misdemeanor | $500 fine |
| Maiming, disfiguring, poisoning, or killing any animal in zoo captivity | Third-degree felony | $15,000 fine, 3 years incarceration |
| Interfering, annoying, injuring, or harassing a hearing, service, or guide dog | Second-degree misdemeanor | $500 fine |
| Neglecting, overloading, beating, abusing, cruelly or wantonly mistreating an individually-owned animal | Summary offense (subsequent offense gets third-degree misdemeanor) | $750 fine, 90 days incarceration |
| Cutting, cropping, or trimming of dog ears, cutting dog vocal chords, or cutting dog tail (except for valid veterinary procedures under anesthesia) | Summary offense | $750 fine, 90 days incarceration |
The Enforcer of Animal Cruelty Laws
In PA, police officers are usually the enforcers of animal cruelty laws. However, the law has authorized individuals working for not-for-profit animal cruelty organizations and human societies to enforce these laws.
The organizations and societies have the right to gain warrants to search a suspected individual or property. They can seize the animal they suspect has been a victim and commence criminal proceedings. So, if an employee of a humane society visits your home to investigate alleged animal cruelty, you should contact a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer right away. They can analyze your situation and inform you of your rights.
There are many people, when charged with animal cruelty, who think their best option is to just pay the fine and move on with their lives. However, an animal cruelty conviction goes on your criminal record. That leads to future landlords or employers viewing you unfavorably. So, it goes without saying, your prospects of job or apartment hunting are severely impacted.
An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will protect your legal rights. They will determine potential legal defenses available and negotiate with your prosecutors. They will make sure you don’t face wrongful conviction or excessive penalties.
The Logue Law Group has a skilled team to handle all types of criminal cases. So, if you have been arrested or charged, reach out to sean@seanloguelaw.com now.