MN HF4160

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

Increases the base penalty for violating the Act from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor

Establishes felony-level penalties for repeat offenders, including those with a second violation of sections 346.36-346.42 or a prior conviction under chapter 343 (animal cruelty statutes), punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000

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