N.D. Cent. Code § 36-21.2-03

Current through the 2023 Legislative Sessions

Section 36-21.2-03 - Animal cruelty - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty

1. Any person that intentionally engages in animal cruelty is guilty of a class C felony.

2. For purposes of this chapter, "animal cruelty" means:

a. Breaking an animal's bones;

b. Causing the prolonged impairment of an animal's health;

c. Mutilating an animal; or

d. Physically torturing an animal.

3. The following do not constitute violations of this section:

a. Any usual and customary practice in:

(1) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the livestock industry;

(2) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing, and training of animals;

(3) The sport of rodeo;

(4) Animal racing;

(5) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;

(6) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;

(7) Wildlife management;

(8) The culinary arts;

(9) Lawful research and educational activities; and

(10) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;

b. Any action taken by an individual against an animal that is attacking or is about to attack a human, a companion animal, or livestock;

c. The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and

d. Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.

N.D.C.C. § 36-21.2-03

Added by S.L. 2013, ch. 260 (SB 2211),§ 3, eff. 8/1/2013.