The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals helps equip law enforcement officials to enforce cruelty laws in Florida.
In the United States, pets are considered part of the family for most pet owners. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has many chapters in Florida to aid in the adoption and care for pets.
Cruelty Statutes
Florida Statutes 828.01 - 828.30 listed the laws that define for law enforcement purposes what constitutes cruelty. According to these statutes, any person that torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, mutilates or kills an animal is guilty of "Cruelty to Animals," which is a third-degree felony.
Animal Fighting and Abandonment
Cockfighting, considered a sport in some Spanish nations, is illegal in the United States.
Florida has a serious problem with animal fighting. Cockfighting involves pitting one rooster against another in a fight to the death. It's considered a sport in some Spanish countries but is illegal in Florida. Dogfighting is a similar underground and illegal sport.
Abandoning animals and neglect are also considered third degree felonies.
SPCA Law Officers and Distressed Animals
A law officer may seize custody of any animal that is being neglected or mistreated.
When any law enforcement officer finds that an animal owner has neglected or mistreated an animal, the officer has the right to take the following steps: removing the animal from the owner, requiring the owner to appear in court within 30 days after seizure of the animal and returning to the owner's home to determine whether the environment has improved enough to warrant the return of the animal.
Tags: Cruelty Animals, considered sport, considered sport some, neglected mistreated, Prevention Cruelty