Cruelty to Animals a Felony

A recent rash of decapitated cats has police in one Utah city wondering who is responsible and why they would decide to exhibit such extreme cruelty to animals.

The Clearfield Police are currently investigating the matter. One person reported seeing someone who appeared to be a teenage boy using a knife to cut a cat’s head off. Police don’t know if this case involving decapitated cats is simply cruelty to animals or religious-oriented. Law enforcement noted that there was a case not too long ago involving a man and human skulls, and that situation turned out to involve a religious ritual, so the man was not prosecuted.

Under the Utah Code, a person is guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals if he tortures or kills an animal without having the legal privilege to do so. If a person intentionally or knowingly commits aggravated cruelty to animals, that person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, which carries a potential jail time of up to one year. On the other hand, if the person knowingly or intentionally tortures a companion animal, which includes cats and dogs, that individual will likely be charged with a third-degree felony.

Regardless of the charge, as long as a child isn’t tried as an adult, he will be adjudicated within the juvenile justice system. As we’ve mentioned before, the Utah juvenile justice system is focused on a youth’s best interest and the possibility of rehabilitation, not like the punitive-based adult system.

Rest assured that when you consult an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney, you and your child will be able to better navigate the complex juvenile court system. Take time today and contact an attorney so that you can get your questions answered.