Mississippi Criminal Law BlogAccording to WLBT-TV, a Mississippi State Patrol trooper is currently under investigation in Calhoun County, Mississippi for the alleged killing of his neighbor’s dog. The neighbors are accusing the trooper of shooting and ultimately killing their 9-year-old dog. It has been reported that the trooper is currently on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. According to investigators, the trooper has since been charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, specifically a dog.
How Does Mississippi Define Aggravated Cruelty to a Dog?
The Mississippi legislature enacted the “Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law of 2011” to provide for the protection of domesticated dogs and cats which serve as the loyal and beloved pets citizens of the state of Mississippi. Under this law, if a person intentionally tortures, mutilates, maims, burns, starves to death, crushes, disfigures, drowns, suffocates, or impales any domesticated dog or cat, or causes another person to do the same, then he or she will be guilty of the offense of aggravated cruelty to a domesticated dog or cat.
What Happens if Someone is Convicted of Aggravated Cruelty to a Dog?
There are a multitude of potential penalties for individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to a dog. Under Mississippi law, if a person is convicted of a first offense of aggravated cruelty to a domesticated dog or cat, he or she will be guilty of a felony and could be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to three (3) years, or both.
If a person is convicted of second or subsequent offense of aggravated cruelty to a domesticated dog or cat, and the second offense was committed within a five (5) year period of the first offense, he or she will be guilty of a felony and could be fined up to $10,000 and be imprisoned for up to ten (10) years.
In addition to a fine or imprisonment, the court has the discretion to order that restitution be made to the owner of the domesticated dog or cat. The court also has the discretion to order that the offender receive a psychiatric or psychological evaluation and counseling or treatment for whatever time period the court prescribes. Costs of such treatment are to be paid by the offender. The offender may also be required to perform community service, and the court may also order that the offender be prohibited from owning, possessing, or residing with a domesticated cat or dog for anywhere between five (5) to fifteen (15) years from the date of sentencing.
Finding an Attorney
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous offenders pursue favorable outcomes. Although being accused of a crime is not a pleasant experience, there are many potential defense strategies that can be used to defend and reduce the charges against an offender. Call/contact us today for your free consultation to learn more.
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