Rescuing Animals Is Larceny
You would think rescuing an animal is righteous or honorable, however, in Okmulgee, this is a crime. Legally trained professionals are responsible for animal rescues in Okmulgee county. Anyone who possesses an animal they didn’t purchase who isn’t a professional animal rescuer might be breaking the law. This is because, in Oklahoma, animals are considered personal property. You might suspect your rescue pet is a stray or feral animal when in fact it’s someone’s lost pet. Taking someone else’s property without their permission is illegal and considered an act of larceny.
Posing as an animal safety officer to rescue animals is not legal. Organizations that work to “liberate” animals such as People for Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA have no authority in Oklahoma. It is the sole responsibility of the Okmulgee police department to impound animals in need of rescue. The state of Oklahoma considers dogs as personal property. Therefore, an attempt to “rescue” a lost dog which is another person’s pet or animal is larceny by definition.
If you have made the mistake of illegally rescuing an animal, your arrest could lead to months in jail or, even worse, years in prison. You should call an Attorney in Okmulgee to discover the best way to proceed. Call (918) 756-9600 for a initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney.
Animal Larceny in Okmulgee
In Oklahoma, larceny is a crime wherein someone seeks to take, steal, or deprive another person of their property. Essentially, larceny is theft via stealth or fraud, which means a person who willfully takes another’s property without their consent.
There are two forms of larceny that differ depending on the value of the property. Petit and grand larceny are the two degrees in which larceny is determined. Grand larceny refers to property that is worth more than $1,000. All other forms of larceny are petit larceny. Okla. Stat. Tit. 21. § 1704
When an animal lacks the safety or environment needed to survive, you are better off calling Okmulgee law enforcement. As you could put your freedom in jeopardy by attempting to rescue an animal in danger.
Animal Larceny Punishments
Unlike inanimate objects, animals have no set value; certain breeds may therefore have a higher value than others. This is particularly the case with dogs. A number of dogs can have substantial monetary value.
For example. a regular pitbull might be worth might be $250. If the pit bull is a puppy the value could be higher. If the dog is a pure breed “red nose” American Pit Bull Terrier it is likely worth well over $1,000. French bulldogs can reach a value of between $1,500 to $3,000.
Because of the wide variations and fluctuations in animal prices, a larceny charge can go from petit to grand larceny, depending on what the dog is worth. A charge for stealing a dog (or other animals) could elevated to animal grand larceny.
Animal larceny punishments follow the same guidelines as regular larceny. Larceny of animals worth less than $1,000 are petit and may result in six months in jail and a fine of more than $10 but less than $500.
Larceny of animals worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,500 can result in fines of up to two years in prison, 1 year in jail, or a $1,000 fine. Punishment for larceny worth more than $2,500 but less than $15,000 may result in 5 years in prison, 1 year in jail, or a $1,000 fine. Lastly, larceny worth more than $15,000 is a felony punishable by up to 8 years in prison, 1 year in jail, or a fine worth no more than $1,000. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1718
Low-cost Consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney
Have you accidentally stolen an animal from its rightful owner? If so you’re in luck, there is an Okmulgee criminal lawyer ready to provide you with legal advice right now.
Call Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee today at (918) 756-9600 or at our toll-free number at 1-888-Wirth-Law (1-888-947-8452). Feel free to ask us questions by filling out our form on this page.
