Cruelty to animals in Oklahoma is a felony crime with severe consequences in Tulsa.
An animal is defined as any mammal (other than humans), bird, fish, reptile, or invertebrate, including wild and domesticated species. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1680.1
Acts of Cruelty to Animals in Oklahoma
Maltreating, abusing, or neglecting animals is considered cruelty to animals in Oklahoma.
Acts of cruelty include:
- willfully or maliciously torturing, destroying, or killing; or
- cruelly beating or injuring, maiming, or mutilating an animal; or
- depriving any such animal of necessary food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care to prevent suffering; or
- causing, procuring, or permitting an animal to be so tortured, destroyed, or killed; or cruelly beaten, injured, maimed, or mutilated; or
- instigating, engaging in, or in any way furthering any act of cruelty to any animal.
Penalties
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
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry may deny a license, or renewal thereof, or revoke a license of any applicant who fails to meet the standards of animal care or if they have been convicted of a crime involving animal cruelty. Okla. Stat. tit. 4 § 30.7
Also, a defendant may be required to pay restitution to animal facilities for medical care and any boarding costs of injured animals.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is accused of cruelty to animals in Oklahoma, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced attorney at Wirth Law Office – Tulsa today, by calling 918-756-9600 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
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