Fort Worth Cruelty to Animals Defense Lawyer

Trusted Defense Attorney Handling Animal Cruelty Charges in Fort Worth, Texas and the Surrounding Area

There are multiple laws in place in Texas that criminalize causing needless harm to animals. These crimes are often punishable by years of prison time, and a conviction can have a lasting impact on your ability to find work. If you or somebody you love has been charged with a crime for allegations of cruelty, consider working with a Fort Worth, TX animal cruelty defense attorney.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have years of experience in criminal defense. We are prepared to review the allegations against you and explore the options to protect your future, whether it means negotiating for a reduced sentence or fighting the underlying charge.

What Counts as Animal Cruelty in Texas?

Animal cruelty in Texas covers a wide range of conduct that causes unnecessary suffering to an animal. Some cases involve deliberate harm, while others involve neglect. Common examples include torturing or seriously injuring an animal, failing to provide food, water, shelter, or necessary care, abandoning an animal, transporting or confining an animal in a cruel way, and seriously overworking an animal.

Texas law divides animal cruelty into two categories. Livestock animals include cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and certain farm-raised poultry and exotic livestock. Non-livestock animals include pets like dogs and cats, stray or feral animals, and wild animals that have been captured.

The two categories are handled under separate laws, and the penalties for each can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the conduct and the harm to the animal. Accepted farming, ranching, hunting, and wildlife management practices are generally not considered cruelty.

Have You Been Accused of Dog Fighting?

Dog fighting charges in Texas can apply to more than the people who own the dogs. The law makes it a crime to cause a dog to fight another dog, profit from a dog fight, or own, train, or use a dog for fighting. Owning dog fighting equipment can also lead to charges, and even attending a dog fight as a spectator is a crime.

Penalties for dog fighting range from a misdemeanor for spectators to a state jail felony for those who organize fights or train dogs to fight. Dogs found during an investigation are often seized, and owners may face a separate civil process that can result in losing the animals permanently. Some accusations are based on scars or injuries that came from other causes, such as protecting livestock or ordinary play.

Charges for Attacks on Service Animals

Charges for attacks on service animals apply when a person harms or kills an assistance animal, such as a guide dog or an animal trained to help a person with a disability. A person can also face charges if they recklessly allow their own dog to attack a service animal.

The penalty depends on the harm caused. An attack with no injuries to the service animal can be a misdemeanor, while an attack that injures, kills, or leaves the animal unable to perform its duties can be a felony. A court will also typically order restitution to the victim, which may include veterinary bills and the cost of replacing and training a new animal, along with other reasonable expenses.

Preparing a Defense for Animal Cruelty Charges in Fort Worth

Preparing a defense for animal cruelty charges in Fort Worth often involves showing what really happened to the animal and why. Possible defenses could involve demonstrating that:

• The animal received reasonable food, water, shelter, and care
• The animal's condition resulted from age, illness, or an existing injury
• You acted to protect yourself, another person, or livestock from a dangerous animal
• The conduct was part of an accepted agricultural, hunting, or wildlife management practice
• Someone else was responsible for the animal's care at the time
• Police or animal control conducted an unlawful search or seizure

Veterinary records, photos, receipts for food and supplies, and testimony from people who know you and your animals can help support these defenses.

Contact a Fort Worth Animal Cruelty Defense Attorney Today

An animal cruelty accusation can damage your reputation and threaten your ability to keep your pets. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we take these charges seriously. Contact our Fort Worth, TX animal cruelty defense lawyer or call 817-732-6392 to arrange a free consultation.