Minnesota Statutes Animals and Property (Ch. 343-348) § 346.36. Definitions

Subdivision 1. Scope.Sections 346.35to346.44shall only apply to veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities. As used insections 346.35to346.44the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Abuse. “Abuse” means intentionally causing unnecessary pain, injury, suffering, or harassment to a pet or companion animal.

Subd. 3. Cruelty. “Cruelty” means causing or allowing unnecessary pain, suffering, or unjustifiable injury or death to a pet or companion animal.

Subd. 4. Expert opinion. “Expert opinion” means the opinion of at least one licensed Minnesota veterinarian selected by an investigating officer.

Subd. 5. Neglect. “Neglect” means failure to provide the minimum care required for the health and well-being of a pet or companion animal.

Subd. 6. Pet or companion animal. “Pet” or “companion animal” means a nonhuman mammal, bird, or reptile impounded or held for breeding, or possessed by, cared for, or controlled by a person for the present or future enjoyment of that person or another.

Subd. 7. Shelter; confinement area. “Shelter” or “confinement area” means an enclosure provided to protect or confine a pet or companion animal when it is not in transit.