MS HB272

Creates a first-offense felony for aggravated cruelty to dogs or cats, punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 and imprisonment of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years.

Second or subsequent aggravated cruelty convictions within 5 years are punishable by imprisonment of not less than 3 years nor more than 5 years in the Department of Corrections.

Limits charges arising from a single incident to a maximum of five (5) counts of simple or aggravated cruelty to dogs or cats, regardless of the number of animals involved.

Requires law enforcement to use a uniform offense report form prescribed by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation that conforms to FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System standards for all animal abuse investigations.

Mandates the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation create a searchable, online public animal-abuse registry accessible to the public by January 1, 2023.