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 cover veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities in addition to individual pet owners. It increases criminal penalties for animal maltreatment by changing most violations from misdemeanors to gross misdemeanors and making repeat offenses felonies punishable by up to two years in prison or fines of up to $10,000. The legislation also removes a provision that previously required expert opinions to resolve disputes over definitions of abuse, cruelty, or neglect. These changes directly affect anyone who owns, cares for, or works with animals in Minnesota and law enforcement officials who enforce animal welfare laws.