Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In North Dakota, animal cruelty is addressed under North Dakota Century Code Title 36.1, which defines various forms of mistreatment and sets forth the penalties for such offenses. The law prohibits acts of cruelty such as abandonment, neglect (including failure to provide necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care), and inhumane treatment such as torture, beating, or mutilation of animals. North Dakota law distinguishes between different levels of offenses, with certain acts considered as misdemeanors and more severe cases, such as those involving torture or cruel killing, potentially classified as felonies. The state also has provisions for seizure of mistreated animals and restrictions on future animal ownership for individuals convicted of animal cruelty. It's important to note that the specifics of the law and the penalties imposed can vary, and updates to statutes may occur, so consulting with an attorney for the most current legal information is advisable.