Full question:
Persons accidentally causes the death of the family dog and is arrested for animal cruelty. What is the right direction to go after bailing them out?
- Category: Animals
- Date:
- State: Florida
Answer:
The next steps depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. It may be possible to negotiate an out-of-court settlement or to defend against the charges based on a lack of intent. In legal terms, an intentional tort involves actions taken with the intent to cause harm. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant acted with either: 1. A conscious desire for the harmful outcome, regardless of the likelihood, or 2. Knowledge that the outcome is 'substantially certain' to occur from their actions.
We cannot provide legal advice; it’s advisable to consult a local attorney who can review the details of the case. Under Florida law, specifically Fla. Stat. § 828.12, a person can be charged with animal cruelty for various actions, including unnecessarily killing an animal. This can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the circumstances, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.