MN HF4159

Expands the Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act (sections 346.35-346.44) to apply to all persons, removing the previous limitation that restricted it only to veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities.

Increases the penalty for first-time violations of the Act from an unspecified level to a gross misdemeanor.

Creates felony-level penalties for second or subsequent violations, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both.

Repeals section 346.37, subdivision 5, which previously required disputes over the meaning of "abuse," "cruelty," or "neglect" to be resolved by expert opinion.