South Carolina Animal Cruelty Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been charged with animal cruelty, contact one of the South Carolina Animal Cruelty Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm for criminal representation.
In criminal law, “animal cruelty” refers to the set of laws designed to protect domesticated pets, stray animals, wild animals, and farmed animals.
Animal cruelty can be defined as maliciously and intentionally maiming, wounding, torturing, or mutilating or wounding a living animal or maliciously and intentionally killing an animal. Animal cruelty is a felony charge and carries a penalty of up to 5 years and/or $5000.
There are two basic types of animal cruelty: the intentional mistreatment of animals and the negligent mistreatment of animals.
Intentionally inflicted cruelty to animals is generally considered violent and deliberate animal abuse, for example:
- Dogfighting and rooster fighting
- Cruelly or inhumanely confining an animal
- Unnecessarily killing an animal
- Torturing, beating, or injuring an animal
Negligent cruelty to animals is failing to provide adequate care, for example:
- Failing to treat a pet’s wounds or illness
- Failing to provide water or food
- Failing to provide sanitary living conditions
- Failing to provide adequate shelter
Why are Animal Cruelty Charges Taken so Seriously?
Juries can act emotionally to evidence of harm to animals, especially domestic animals like dogs or cats. South Carolina judges have not hesitated in sentencing defendants to state prison for the abuse of animals—these cases are taken very seriously.
If you aren’t sure exactly what type of defense will best suit your case, call the South Carolina criminal defense lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC to discuss your case.
Entertainment and Sport
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Animals in circuses, marine parks, and races often endure harsh training and confinement.
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Bullfighting, cockfighting, and greyhound racing are still legal in some areas, despite known cruelty.
Awareness & Change
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Organizations like ASPCA, PETA, World Animal Protection, and Humane Society work to combat cruelty.
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Public pressure has led to bans on fur farming, cosmetic animal testing, and the use of wild animals in circuses in some countries.
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Adopting pets, choosing cruelty-free products, and supporting animal welfare legislation are potent ways to help.
