When faced with the consequences of their actions, some individuals may see that they made a significant mistake. Though matters are often clearer in hindsight, it is the future parties need to focus on if their past mistakes have led to criminal charges. Accusations of animal abuse can come with steep penalties, which is why it is important to assess defense options.
One woman in Texas certainly has the future on her mind after recently being taken into custody. According to reports, the 20-year-old woman lived in an apartment and contacted the apartment manager requesting help removing the remains of her deceased dog. She had reportedly stated that she left the animal for the weekend with food and water, but after returning to the apartment, she had found that it had died. Maintenance workers who helped remove the animal indicated that the dog was far more decomposed than a couple of days would have allowed.
It was unclear who contacted police about the situation, but nonetheless, authorities began an investigation. The woman initially claimed that she did not know why the dog died but allegedly later told investigators that she had left the dog alone for several days and had not had time to check on it because she was too busy. Authorities suspect that the dog had been dead for two weeks to a month based on photographs. As a result, the woman was taken into custody and charged with animal cruelty, which is a third degree felony.
This Texas woman may not have intended to cause the animal harm, but now she is facing accusations of cruelty and abuse that could have lasting effects on her life. If convicted of this felony charge, she could face several years in prison, which she would undoubtedly want to avoid. Preparing for her case by gaining information on her defense options may work in her favor.