Animal Abuse Investigation Pending in Anne Arundel
In a bizarre incident, the Anne Arundel County Animal Control office reported that a cat in the Davidsonville area was apparently shot with a bow and arrow on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, according to The Baltimore Sun. The cat, Xena, survived and continues to make progress at a local animal rescue facility.
According to animal control officers, a resident in the 3000 block of Riva Road, discovered that the cat had been shot through the left shoulder with a two-foot long arrow. The citizen unsuccessfully attempted to catch Xena, and called the Animal Control office. Animal Control officers were finally able to trap the cat two days later. After time in the Belair Veterinary Hospital, Xena was moved to the Rude Ranch Animal Rescue facility, where she continues to recuperate.
What is Animal Abuse and Neglect?
Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) overdrive or overload an animal; (2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance; (3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal; (4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3); or (5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or protection from the weather.
The crime is a misdemeanor, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
What is Animal Cruelty?
Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill an animal; (2) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1); or (3) except in the case of self-defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.
Animal cruelty is a felony, and on conviction a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Top-Rated Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has an unparalleled reputation with clients and within the legal community. He handles all types of criminal charges, including allegations of animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal cruelty.
Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:
- Maryland Super Lawyer.
- “10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
- “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
- Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell)
- 2013 Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)
- 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state).
- “AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).
These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.
Ellicott City, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you face criminal charges of any kind, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.
