State v. Cleve

OPINION

ALARID, Judge.

1. This case addresses the question whether game animals are protected from cruel conduct and suffering under the statute prohibiting cruelty to animals. Following a jury trial, Charles Cleve (Defendant) was convicted of two counts of cruelty to animals, two counts of unlawful hunting, and negligent use of a firearm. Defendant challenges his convictions for cruelty to animals for using a wire snare to kill two deer. On appeal, Defendant raises two issues: (1) whether the State Game Commission is exclusively authorized to regulate the manner and devices used to kill game…