Types of Animal Abuse and Animal Neglect Charges
The Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) § 167.310 to 167.355 lay out the various degrees of animal abuse and neglect, with specific laws governing how these offenses are handled. Understanding the different types of charges you may face can help you navigate your legal situation more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the primary offenses under Oregon law:
Animal Abuse in the First Degree
Under ORS § 167.320 a person commits the crime of animal abuse in the first degree if, except as otherwise authorized by law, the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly:
- Causes seriously physical injury to an animal; or
- Cruelly causes the death of an animal
Animal abuse in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class C felony in depending on the circumstances. The attorneys at GR Johnson Law Firm are here to help you navigate the charges and defend your rights.
Animal Abuse in the Second Degree
According to ORS § 167.315, animal abuse in the second degree occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury to an animal.
Animal abuse in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor.
Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree
ORS § 167.322 states that a person commits the crime of aggravated animal abuse in the first degree if a person:
- Maliciously kills an animal; or
- Intentionally or knowingly tortures an animal.
Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree is a Class C felony.
Animal Neglect in the First Degree
ORS § 167.330 provides that a person commits the crime of animal neglect in the first degree if the person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence:
- Fails to provide minimum care for an animal in the person’s custody or control and the failure to provide care results in serious physical injury or death to the animal; or
- Tethers a domestic animal in the person’s custody or control and the tethering results in serious physical injury or death to the domestic animal.
Animal neglect in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class C felony depending on the circumstances. Animal neglect is a serious crime, and if you find yourself charged, it’s vital to work with an experienced attorney who can help you minimize the potential consequences.
Animal Neglect in the Second Degree
ORS § 167.325 states a person commits the crime of animal neglect in the second degree if, except as otherwise authorized by law, the person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence:
- Fails to provide minimum care for an animal in such person’s custody or control; or
- Tethers a domestic animal in the person’s custody or control and the tethering results in physical injury to the domestic animal.
Animal neglect in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor, and a Class C felony depending on the circumstances. The attorneys at GR Johnson Law Firm can help you navigate your charges.
Examples of Animal Abuse
Severely beating an animal, starving an animal, killing an animal, torturing an animal, hitting or striking an animal, kicking or throwing an animal, using an animal for dangerous activities, dragging an animal by a leash or chain, killing or torturing an animal
Examples of Animal Neglect
Failing to provide food, water or shelter, leaving an animal in extreme weather conditions, tethering an animal, neglecting a sick or injured animal, failing to provide adequate care
Possible Penalties
In Oregon, animal abuse and neglect charges can range from a Class C felony to a Class B misdemeanor, with penalties including jail time, fines, counseling, community service, and probation. Given the serious consequences, it’s essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney to help reduce or dismiss the charges and secure the best outcome.
Hire an Experienced Oregon Animal Abuse & Animal Neglect Attorney
Having an experienced Oregon criminal defense lawyer on your side can drastically change the outcome of your case and the penalties associated with it. Call us now for a free consultation: 541-508-4716.