MS HB1148

Adds "deprivation of adequate sustenance" to the definition of simple cruelty to dogs and cats, making it a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.

Removes the provision that multiple acts of cruelty against one or more dogs/cats committed at the same time constitute a single offense, allowing each act to be charged separately.

Restricts exemptions from animal cruelty laws to apply only to simple cruelty offenses, not aggravated cruelty offenses, making aggravated cruelty charges harder to defend with exemptions.

Maintains existing penalties for aggravated cruelty: first offense is a misdemeanor with up to $2,500 fine and 6 months imprisonment; second or subsequent offenses within 5 years are felonies with $5,000 fine and 1-5 years imprisonment.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.