MN HF3799

Creates the Office of Animal Protection within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension of the Department of Public Safety with a director appointed by the commissioner of public safety.

Office duties include promoting comprehensive animal cruelty prevention, fostering partnerships with criminal justice partners, building capacity for investigations and prosecutions, providing training and standards, and conducting research on animal cruelty cases.

Establishes an advisory committee with members possessing expertise in animal cruelty prevention, investigation, prosecution, and animal care across five disciplines including investigations, prosecution, forensic veterinary medicine, animal care, and human welfare.

Expands the definition of "crime of violence" under section 624.712 to include felony animal cruelty convictions under chapter 343, effective August 1, 2024.

Appropriates $350,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2025 to establish and operate the Office of Animal Protection and creates an animal protection account to receive grants and contributions supporting the office's mission.