Animals are vulnerable members of society. Because of that, most states have passed legislation to protect animals from abuse and neglect.
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s laws regarding cruelty to animals are contained within its criminal statutes. The statutes also cover animal fighting.
What is Cruelty to Animals in Tulsa?
Animals are defined as mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and the like; the definition includes both wild animals and domesticated animals. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1680.1
In Oklahoma, it is against the law to mistreat, abuse, or neglect an animal. That includes a number of kinds of cruelty to animals offenses, including:
- Willful torture, or the killing or other destruction of an animal;
- Beating, maiming, or otherwise injuring an animal;
- Depriving any animal of food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care necessary to prevent suffering;
- Causing, or participating in any way, or permitting an animal to be beaten, injured, tortured, destroyed, or killed;
- Starting or participating in any act of cruelty to any animal.
Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1685
Animal Fighting is Prohibited
Likewise, any person engaging in, using, instigating, or encouraging fighting between animals, with the exception of dogs, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1682
Encouraging or instigating cockfighting, however, is a felony offense. In fact, every aspect of cockfighting is illegal, including owning a fighting cock. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1692
Also, watching a cockfight in Oklahoma is a misdemeanor offense. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1692.6
Dogfighting, and all aspects pertaining to it, is also illegal in Oklahoma. Encouraging or instigating dogfighting for bet or profit is punishable as a felony. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1694
Nor is it legal to own a dog or dogs that have been trained to fight. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1697
However, being a spectator at a dogfighting event remains a misdemeanor offense.
Penalties
Penalties vary according to the statute violated. In general, cruelty to animals in Oklahoma is a felony crime punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1685
A felony conviction under the cockfighting statutes carries a penalty from 1 to 10 years in prison with a fine between $2,000 and $25,000.
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $500. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1692.8
Initial Strategy Session: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been accused of cruelty to animals in Oklahoma, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced Tulsa attorney today by calling 918-756-9600.
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