2006 Minnesota Statutes

346.36 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. Sections 346.35 to 346.44 shall only apply to veterinarians, animal
boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities. As used in sections 346.35 to 346.44 the
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.
History: 1983 c 216 art 2 s 14; 1983 c 358 s 2