Office of Animal Protection established and duties provided, definition of crime of violence expanded, and money appropriated.

HF 1816 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within Minnesota's Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty more systematically. The office will coordinate investigations, prosecutions, forensic veterinary services, and public education on animal cruelty, while collecting statewide data on such cases. It also expands Minnesota's definition of "crime of violence" to include animal cruelty offenses. The bill appropriates funding for the office and requires an annual report on its operations to the legislature. This affects state agencies, law enforcement, and communities by creating a centralized approach to animal cruelty prevention and enforcement.