MS HB1534

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-41-16 to define terms including "torture," "humanely killing," "cruel mistreatment," and "criminal episode" relating to cruelty to domesticated dogs and cats.

Increases penalty for first offense of aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat from a misdemeanor to a felony with a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of 1-5 years (previously up to 6 months).

Establishes that each act of simple cruelty to a dog or cat constitutes a separate offense, and each act of simple cruelty against more than one dog or cat constitutes a separate offense.

Provides that multiple acts of aggravated cruelty committed against one or more dogs or cats as part of the same criminal episode within 24 hours count as a single offense for purposes of calculating prior convictions.

Authorizes the humane killing of a domesticated dog or cat if a reasonable person would do so under similar circumstances, and adds this exception to the list of protected activities that do not violate the law.