Application of the Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act expanded, and criminal penalties for maltreatment of animals increased.

This bill expands the Minnesota Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act to apply to all persons, including veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities, rather than limiting protection to specific individuals. It increases criminal penalties for animal maltreatment by changing violations from misdemeanors to gross misdemeanors for first offenses and felonies for repeat offenders or those with prior animal cruelty convictions, which could result in up to two years in prison or fines of up to $10,000. The legislation also removes a provision that required expert opinions to resolve disputes over the definitions of abuse, cruelty, or neglect. These changes directly affect anyone who owns, cares for, or works with animals in Minnesota and law enforcement agencies enforcing animal welfare laws.