MS SB2172

Creates a first-offense felony of aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat, with imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years and fines of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000.

Second or subsequent convictions for aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat shall result in imprisonment of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) years in the Department of Corrections custody.

Limits criminal charges to a maximum of ten (10) counts of simple or aggravated cruelty arising from the same incident and set of circumstances.

Requires law enforcement to use a uniform offense report form prescribed by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation when investigating animal abuse allegations, with court disposition entered into the report for FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System compliance.

Mandates that convicted offenders receive psychiatric or psychological evaluation and counseling, make restitution to animal owners, and may be enjoined from employment involving animal care for a court-determined period.