Animal Cruelty

Few things make people angrier than when someone is cruel to an animal. In New Hampshire, police officers are always on the lookout for cases of animal abuse.

And the state has animal cruelty laws in place so that anyone convicted of animal cruelty will face stiff charges.

If you are facing charges for harming a cat, or dog or any other animal, you should seek the assistance of criminal defense lawyer Michael Anzalone in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Michael Anzalone has experience in representing people who are charged with animal cruelty. He can also help you.

The first thing he will advise you is to never talk to authorities about your case. After your arrest, you should wait until your attorney is by your side to talk about your case.

At The Anzalone Law Firm, you case will be a top priority.

The state’s criminal code discusses animal cruelty here, at RSA 644:8. These charges include acts that injure or are detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of any animal. This includes the abandoning of any animal without the proper provisions being made for its care, sustenance, protection and shelter.

Animals included in the statute include domestic animals, a household pet or a wild animal in captivity.

A first offense is typically a misdemeanor, depending, of course on the circumstances of your case. For a second, or subsequent offense, the charges bump up to a Class B felony.

The laws protect animals from being beaten, whipped, tortured, mutilated or any other form of mistreatment. It also prevents animals from being overworked.

The law says that anyone found abusing animals may have his or her animals taken by the arresting officer and upon conviction, the judge can determine what happens to the animals.

Here is what the state statutes say:

The costs, if any, incurred in boarding and treating the animal, pending disposition of the case, and in disposing of the animal, upon a conviction of said person for cruelty to animals, shall be borne by the person so convicted. In addition, the court may prohibit any person convicted of animal cruelty from having future ownership or custody of other animals for any period of time the court deems reasonable or impose any other reasonable restrictions on the person's future ownership or custody of animals as necessary for the protection of the animals.

If you are convicted, the judge can prohibit someone convicted of cruelty to animals from owning animals again, or at least for a very long time. These restrictions can be harsh for someone who has always had animals.

Whether your case goes before a judge or your lawyer suggests a plea deal, our goal is to help you get your life back on track. Animal cruelty charges will not be met with favorable reactions from your peers and neighbors.

You may be embarrassed by these charges, which can wreck your life. You may also suffer financial setbacks because of losing your job upon conviction.

But our team of legal experts will be here for you, offering advice along the way.

You’ll need the assistance of The Anzalone Law Firm to get you out of what could be a messy legal web.

You can call our office today to set up a free consultation with Michael Anzalone. You can be assured that we will be here for you 24/7.