Miller v. State

Sognier, Judge.

Appellant was convicted at a bench trial of cruelty to animals, and he appeals.

1. Appellant contends the court erred by convicting him because the acts charged in the accusation do not constitute a criminal act under Georgia law and there was no evidence of intent, malice, knowledge or criminal negligence.

OCGA § 16-12-4 (a) provides: “A person is guilty of a misdemeanor when his act, omission, or neglect causes unjustifiable physical pain, suffering, or death to any living animal.” The evidence disclosed that appellant kept several Rottweiler dogs on his 30-acre farm, and…