Have you been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty?
If so, you will need the help of an expert in criminal law to mount a defence to the charge. Aggravated animal cruelty can have very serious implications as you can be penalised twice. Once under Section 9 of the legislation and once under Section 10.
Make sure you have carefully considered all elements of the charge with an experienced criminal lawyer before telling a court how you intend to plead.
Please read below for more information in relation to this charge.
The offence of Aggravated Animal Cruelty
Section 10 of the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act 1986.
The prosecution must prove:
The defendant committed an act of cruelty under Section 9 against an animal; and
The act resulted in the death or serious disablement of the animal.
The maximum penalty
In the case of a natural person, imprisonment for 2 years or 500 penalty units. In the case of a body corporate, 1200 penalty units.
Where will my case be heard?
Aggravated Cruelty cases can only be heard in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Questions to consider
Do you have a defence?
If you are pleading guilty, what can you do to minimise your sentence?
What to do next?
See an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Preparation in relation to any legal matter is critical. Don’t delay in obtaining legal advice.
If you have been charged with Aggravated Cruelty arrange to see one of our specialist lawyers today.
The legislation
Section 10 Aggravated cruelty
(1) A person who commits an act of cruelty upon any animal which results in the death or serious disablement of the animal commits an act of aggravated cruelty upon that animal and is guilty of an offence and is liable to a penalty of not more than, in the case of a natural person, 500 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years or, in the case of a body corporate, 1200 penalty units.
(2) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) may be liable to the penalty for that offence in addition to or instead of any other penalty to which the person is liable under section 9.
