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Cruelty to Animals

N.D.C.C. § 36-21.2-03 — neglect and abuse are class A misdemeanors, cruelty a class C felony

  • Willful neglect, failing a dog or cat on food, water, shelter, medical care or a safe clean space, is a class A misdemeanor.
  • Willful abuse, an act causing injury or death, is a class A misdemeanor for a first or second offense and a class C felony for a third within ten years.
  • Intentional cruelty, breaking bones, mutilating, torturing or causing prolonged impairment, is a class C felony.
  • Customary farming, hunting, rodeo and veterinary practices, and stopping an attacking animal, are not violations.
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Sources for this section (3)
  1. N.D.C.C. § 36-21.2-01 — Neglect - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty
  2. N.D.C.C. § 36-21.2-02 — Animal abuse - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty
  3. N.D.C.C. § 36-21.2-03 — Animal cruelty - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Dakota attorney.

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