Bill > SB2658

This bill revises the offense of abuse of a domesticated dog or cat in Mississippi. It amends existing law to increase the penalties for aggravated cruelty to a domesticated dog or cat, making it a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The bill also expands the definition of aggravated cruelty to include additional forms of abuse, such as crushing, drowning, and suffocating. Additionally, the bill allows courts to order offenders to undergo psychiatric or psychological evaluation and treatment, perform community service, and prohibit them from owning or possessing domesticated dogs or cats for a period of time. The bill maintains several exceptions to the cruelty provisions, such as for self-defense, protection of livestock, and lawful activities like veterinary care and pest control.

Justice

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2020/pdf/history/SB/SB2658.xml