A dog trainer in Loveland, Colorado pleaded guilty to Cruelty to Animals – C.R.S. 18-9-202 after an employee accused the man of abusing his own dog. The allegations stated that the trainer had been beating his dog. Loveland police found a hole in the wall where the trainer had allegedly slammed the dog’s head. Initially, the trainer was charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, which is a much more serious offense in Larimer, Routt and Jackson County, but the trainer pleaded guilty to a lesser charge with the assistance of his criminal defense lawyer.
What is Aggravated Cruelty to Animals in Larimer County?
Normally, Cruelty to Animals is a class 1 misdemeanor, but when a person is charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, they will be charged with a class 6 felony (which means you could spend up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections). You will be charged with this more serious offense if you knowingly torture, needlessly mutilate, or needlessly kill an animal in Fort Collins, Loveland or Estes Park.
How Will A Conviction of Cruelty to Animals Change My Life?
The dog trainer’s life was negatively affected after he pled guilty. The man was sentenced to 30 days in Larimer County Jail and mental health treatment. He also lost ownership of his two dogs, and cannot have any contact with dogs for two years, which means his business is ruined. Unfortunately, if you plead guilty to a criminal offense in Fort Collins, Loveland or Windsor, you won’t be able to seal your record, so getting a job or finding housing may be difficult in the future.