Federal Animal Cruelty in San Antonio

Let Our Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Fight for You

The state of Texas takes animal cruelty very seriously. Cruelty to both livestock and non-livestock animals is a felony offense, punishable by a maximum two-year prison sentence and a fine no more than $10,000. However, animal cruelty has now become a federal crime after President Donald Trump signed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT Act) on November 25, 2019.

If you are the subject of a federal investigation for alleged animal cruelty in San Antonio, The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr. can protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. With hundreds of cases successfully handled, including many in federal district court, Attorney Lara can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and do his best to obtain the most favorable outcome in your case.

Call (210) 787-2842 to request a free and confidential case review.

The PACT Act Definition & Penalties

Although animal cruelty is a state crime, animal welfare activists advocated for a federal law because it was difficult to prosecute animal cases that involve multiple states. Furthermore, while the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) addresses animal fighting and puppy mills and the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010 bans the creation and distribution of animal killings through torture, there is no federal law that focuses on general cruelty until the PACT Act.

The PACT Act bans the following intentional acts of animal cruelty:

• Crushing and animal crush videos
• Impalement
• Suffocating
• Burning
• Drowning
• Other forms of serious harm

The law applies to living non-human mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. A conviction for violating the PACT Act results in a maximum seven-year federal prison sentence and/or a fine.

Call (210) 787-2842 for a Free Consultation

Due to the seriousness of this federal crime, it is important to have our San Antonio federal animal cruelty defense attorney on your side. Do not hesitate to let our firm fight for you and help you avoid serving time in federal prison.

Contact us today to discuss your case.