MS SB2582

Creates a first-offense felony for aggravated cruelty to dogs and cats, 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.

Limits charging to a maximum of ten (10) counts of simple or aggravated cruelty arising from a single incident involving one or more dogs or cats.

Requires law enforcement to use a uniform offense report form prescribed by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation that conforms to FBI reporting guidelines for animal abuse offenses to facilitate entry into the National Incident-Based Reporting System.

Mandates sentencing orders in animal abuse convictions include the designation of "animal abuse" and requires courts to enter disposition information into the corresponding uniform offense report.

Requires the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to create and provide searchable online public access to an animal-abuse registry by January 1, 2021.