Cruelty to Animals in Hillsborough County

Law enforcement authorities in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire take it very seriously when they catch someone who they believe is abusing an animal.

In fact, this is a serious charge across New Hampshire.

So, if you've been accused of abusing or neglecting an animal, the first thing you should do is consider contacting The Anzalone Law Firm in Nashua, New Hampshire. You will most certainly want a local attorney representing your best interests as this case heads to court. Criminal Defense lawyer Michael Anzalone knows Hillsborough County and is highly competent to handle your case.

We bring it down to the local level and treat you in the small town way that you are accustomed to. We live and work in Hillsborough County and are ready to help you fight the charges of animal cruelty. Whether you live in Manchester or Merrimack, we are the right law firm to handle your needs.

Michael Anzalone and his associates will make your case a priority. We can promise you that.

Animal cruelty is a serious charge in New Hampshire. We will do our best to help you understand the charges and why authorities have accused you of this crime.

Remember, our goal is to help you get the best possible outcome.

New Hampshire's Criminal Code outlines the charges in RSA 644:8.

For example, you can see that cruelty covers a wide array, including "acts or omissions injurious or detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any animal." And this includes abandoning an animal without proper provision for its care. And legally, care includes providing shelter for the animal.

If you don't provide shelter for your dog or other kind of domestic animal, you could be charged with animal abuse by any officer of the law in Hillsborough County. This includes offering the animal a place that provides protection from the sun or rain or snow. An animal, according to state statutes, is also supposed to have proper food and water, along with a clean and dry environment.

You are looking at a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, or a Class B felony for a second or third offense if you deprive the animal of proper care and shelter. Or if you beat or whit the animal or torture it in any way.

In the case of a horse or large animal, it can be considered abuse if you overwork it or drive the animal when overloaded, while doing labor.

In Hillsborough County, your animal will be put into protective custody by the officer who makes the arrest. And under law you could be asked to post a surety bond of up to $2,000 to cover the costs of taking care of the animal.

Once the case goes to court, you could be ordered to not have animals in your possession in the future. Of courst this depends on the circumstances of your case.

Please contact the Anzalone Law Firm in Nashua, New Hampshire today to schedule a free consultation.