ND HB1348

Law enforcement officers may petition courts for animal seizure orders upon recommendation from a licensed veterinarian approved by the board of animal health for animals believed to be neglected, abused, treated cruelly, or in violation of animal protection laws.

Courts may act on seizure petitions without notice to the animal's owner or custodian and may rely solely on veterinarian testimony or affidavits when considering the petition.

Courts may direct veterinarians to humanely destroy seized animals if examination determines the animal is experiencing excruciating pain or suffering unlikely to be alleviated through reasonable medical interventions.

House passed 82-9 (3 absent); Senate passed 45-0 (2 absent).