What is the Punishment for animal cruelty in Montana?

Answer 1

In Montana there are two of animal cruelty, there is cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals. In the state of Montana cruelty to animals is defined as, "overworking, beating, tormenting, injuring, or killing any animal; carrying or confining any animal in a cruel manner; failing to provide an animal in the person's custody with: food and water of sufficient quantity and quality to sustain the animal's normal health; minimum protection for the animal from adverse weather conditions, with consideration given to the species; or in cases of immediate, obvious, serious illness or injury, licensed veterinary or other appropriate medical care; abandoning any helpless animal or abandoning any animal on any highway, railroad, or in any other place where it may suffer injury, hunger, or exposure or become a public charge; or promoting, sponsoring, conducting, or participating in an animal race of more than 2 miles, except a sanctioned endurance race." The state defines aggravated cruelty as, "purposely or knowingly: kills or inflicts cruelty to an animal with the purpose of terrifying, torturing, or mutilating the animal; or inflicts cruelty to animals on a collection, kennel, or herd of 10 or more animals." Cruelty to animals is punishable with a fine up to $1000 and/or one year in prison. When more than one animal but less than ten are involved each affected animal can result in an additional charge, (cases of ten or more animals become aggravated cruelty). Aggravated cruelty or a subsequent animal cruelty charge are punishable by a fine of up to $2500 and/or a prison of up to two years. In addition to this the individual is also with the cost of the animal's care, (this includes costs by animal control or the humane society) and the of the animals in question, (custody of the animals is decided by the court). If you are interest in the animal cruelty laws in other state The Stray Pet Advocacy is a great resource to use, their web site is www.straypetadvocacy.org.