# Title 36 — Livestock

## Chapter 36-21.2 — Treatment of Animals

### § 36-21.2-01. Neglect - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty.

1. Any person that willfully engages in animal neglect is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
2. For purposes of this chapter, "neglect" with respect to dogs and cats, means the failure
to provide an animal with:
a. Food and water, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age
and physical condition;
b. Shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the
animal's age and physical condition;
c. Necessary medical attention; and
d. An environment that is:
(1) Ventilated in a manner appropriate for the species, the breed, and the
animal's age and physical condition;
(2) Cleaned in a manner appropriate for the species, the breed, and the
animal's age and physical condition; and
(3) Free of conditions likely to cause injury or death to an animal of that
species, breed, age, and physical condition.
3. For purposes of this chapter, "neglect" with respect to all animals other than those
included in subsection 2, means the failure to provide:
a. Food and water that is:
(1) Appropriate for the species and the breed; and
(2) Sufficient to sustain the animal's health;
b. Minimal protection from adverse weather conditions, as appropriate for the
species and the breed; and
c. Medical attention in the event of an injury or illness, as appropriate for the species
and the breed.
4. The following do not constitute violations of this section:
a. Any usual and customary practice in:
(1) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the
livestock industry;
(2) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing,
and training of animals;
(3) The sport of rodeo;
(4) Animal racing;
(5) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act,
7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(6) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(7) Wildlife management;
(8) The culinary arts;
(9) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(10) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition
of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
b. The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
c. Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
### § 36-21.2-02. Animal abuse - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty.

1. Any person that willfully engages in animal abuse is guilty of a class A misdemeanor
for a first or a second offense and a class C felony for a third or subsequent offense
occurring within ten years.
2. For purposes of this chapter, "animal abuse" means any act or omission that results in
physical injury to an animal or that causes the death of an animal, but does not include
any act that falls within the definition of animal cruelty, as set forth in section
36-21.2-03.
3. The following do not constitute violations of this section:

a. Any usual and customary practice in:
(1) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the
livestock industry;
(2) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing,
and training of animals;
(3) The sport of rodeo;
(4) Animal racing;
(5) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act,
7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(6) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(7) Wildlife management;
(8) The culinary arts;
(9) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(10) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition
of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
b. Any action taken by an individual against an animal that is attacking or is about to
attack a human, a companion animal, or livestock;
c. The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
d. Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
### § 36-21.2-03. Animal cruelty - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty.

1. Any person that intentionally engages in animal cruelty is guilty of a class C felony.
2. For purposes of this chapter, "animal cruelty" means:
a. Breaking an animal's bones;
b. Causing the prolonged impairment of an animal's health;
c. Mutilating an animal; or
d. Physically torturing an animal.
3. The following do not constitute violations of this section:
a. Any usual and customary practice in:
(1) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the
livestock industry;
(2) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing,
and training of animals;
(3) The sport of rodeo;
(4) Animal racing;
(5) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act,
7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(6) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(7) Wildlife management;
(8) The culinary arts;
(9) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(10) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition
of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
b. Any action taken by an individual against an animal that is attacking or is about to
attack a human, a companion animal, or livestock;
c. The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
d. Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
### § 36-21.2-04. Animal abandonment - Definition - Exemptions - Penalty.

1. Any person that willfully engages in the abandonment of an animal is guilty of a
class A misdemeanor.
2. For purposes of this chapter, "abandonment" means the relinquishment of a person's
custody or control, with no intention of reclaiming that custody or control, and without
placing the animal into the custody or control of another person that is able to provide
care for the animal and who knowingly and willingly accepts that responsibility. The
term includes:

a. The desertion of an animal; and
b. The failure to retrieve an animal within forty-eight hours after the agreed-upon
conclusion of a boarding contract or other service contract, other than that
specified in section 43-29-16.1.
3. The following do not constitute violations of this section:
a. Any usual and customary practice in:
(1) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the
livestock industry;
(2) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing,
and training of animals;
(3) The sport of rodeo;
(4) Animal racing;
(5) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act,
7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(6) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(7) Wildlife management;
(8) The culinary arts;
(9) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(10) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition
of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
b. The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
c. Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
4. For purposes of this section, "care" means food, water, and shelter from the elements,
as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition,
and necessary medical attention.
### § 36-21.2-05. Seizure of animal - Court order.

1. A law enforcement officer, upon a recommendation from a licensed veterinarian
approved by the board of animal health, may petition the court for an order directing
the seizure of any animal believed to have been neglected, abused, treated cruelly, or
subjected to any act or omission in violation of this chapter. If the animal to be seized
is a bovine animal, horse, or mule, the law enforcement officer shall provide a copy of
the petition to the chief brand inspector. The chief brand inspector shall conduct an
ownership inspection of the animal as provided under section 36-21.2-06.
2. The court, upon a recommendation from a licensed veterinarian approved by the
board of animal health, may act without notice to the animal's owner or to the person
having custody or control of the animal and may rely solely on testimony or an affidavit
in considering the petition.
3. In the order for seizure, the court may direct that a veterinarian humanely destroy an
animal if the veterinarian, upon examining the animal, determines that the animal is
experiencing excruciating pain or suffering and that the animal's pain or suffering is not
likely to be alleviated using reasonable medical interventions.
### § 36-21.2-06. Law enforcement - Duty upon seizure - Notification.

1. Upon seizing an animal as provided for in section 36-21.2-05, the law enforcement
officer shall provide care for the animal, either directly or through a contractual
arrangement with another person. For purposes of this subsection, "care" means food,
water, and shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and
the animal's age and physical condition, and necessary medical attention.
a. If the owner and the person having custody or control at the time of the seizure
are known to the officer or can be determined following a reasonable inquiry, the
officer shall:
(1) Provide notice of the seizure to the owner, the person having custody or
control of the animal, and, if the animal is a bovine animal, horse, or mule, to
the chief brand inspector; and
(2) Petition the court for an order directing the animal's disposition.

b. If the animal's owner is not known to the law enforcement officer and cannot be
determined following a reasonable inquiry, the officer shall publish notice of the
animal's seizure in the official newspaper of the county and indicate that if the
owner does not claim the animal within five days, the animal will be sold, placed
for adoption, or humanely destroyed, at the direction of the law enforcement
officer. If the animal to be seized is a bovine animal, horse, or mule, the officer
also shall provide notice to the chief brand inspector.
(1) If the owner does not claim the animal within five days following publication,
as required by this subdivision, the law enforcement officer shall sell the
animal, place the animal for adoption, or provide for its humane destruction.
(2) If the owner is identified within the five-day period following publication, the
law enforcement officer shall petition the court for an order directing the
animal's disposition.
2. In ruling on a petition for an animal's disposition under this section, a court may direct
that the animal be sold, placed for adoption, humanely destroyed, or returned to its
owner, with or without conditions. If the animal subject to the disposition ruling is a
bovine animal, horse, or mule, the law enforcement officer shall provide notice of the
ruling to the chief brand inspector. The chief brand inspector shall conduct an
ownership inspection of the animal subject to the ruling.
3. The owner of an animal, at any time before a final ruling on the animal's disposition,
may request a hearing before the court. If a hearing is requested, the court may not
issue a final ruling on the disposition of the animal until the conclusion of the hearing.
### § 36-21.2-07. Costs of seizure and care - Responsibility of owner - Lien.

1. If convicted of violating this chapter, the owner of an animal seized under section
required notifications, attorney's fees, court costs, and any costs incurred in providing
the animal with care or in providing for its destruction in accordance with section
36-21.2-06.
2. a. The law enforcement agency that seized the animal has a lien upon the animal
for all costs incurred as a result of the seizure and conviction. The lien is superior
to any other claim or lien.
b. If the lien is not satisfied by the animal's owner, the law enforcement agency may
apply to the court for an order enforcing the lien.
3. If a seized animal is sold, the proceeds must be used first to satisfy the lienholder to
the extent of the lien and second to satisfy any other claims involving the animal. Any
remaining proceeds must be returned to the owner, as directed by the court. If the
owner is unknown, any proceeds otherwise payable to the owner must be deposited in
the general fund of the county.
### § 36-21.2-08. Abandoned animal - Law enforcement officer - Duties.

1. A law enforcement officer may take custody of an animal if the officer has reasonable
cause to believe that the animal has been abandoned in violation of this chapter.
2. a. Upon taking custody of an animal in accordance with this section, the law
enforcement officer shall:
(1) Provide care for the animal, either directly or through a contractual
arrangement with another person; and
(2) (a) Notify the owner, if known to the officer; or
(b) If the owner is not known to the officer, provide notice of the animal's
custody, indicate that if the owner does not lay claim to the animal
within five days, the animal will be sold, placed for adoption, or
humanely destroyed, at the direction of the law enforcement officer,
and include the officer's contact information.
b. For purposes of this subdivision, notice may be provided by:
(1) Publication in the official newspaper of the county if the newspaper is
published daily or in a daily newspaper serving the county;

(2) Any electronic means; or
(3) Posting a description and a photograph at the local law enforcement center.
3. If the owner is identified within the five-day period, the law enforcement officer shall
return the animal to the owner only if:
a. The owner demonstrates that the animal was not abandoned in violation of this
chapter; and
b. The owner pays for all costs associated with the animal's care while in custody,
including any costs of notifications under this section.
4. If the law enforcement officer refuses to return the animal to its owner, the owner may
petition the court for an order directing its return. In ruling on a petition under this
subsection, a court may direct that the animal be sold, placed for adoption, humanely
destroyed, or returned to its owner with or without conditions.
5. If the owner does not lay claim to the animal within five days, the law enforcement
officer shall sell the animal, place it for adoption, or humanely destroy it.
6. Any proceeds from the sale or adoption of an animal under this section must be
deposited in the county general fund.
7. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, if upon examining an animal taken
into custody by a law enforcement officer in accordance with this section a licensed
veterinarian determines that the animal's condition justifies its destruction, the
veterinarian shall humanely destroy the animal. The law enforcement agency shall
reimburse the veterinarian for the cost of the animal's destruction.
8. For purposes of this section, "care" means food, water, and shelter from the elements,
as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition,
and necessary medical attention.
### § 36-21.2-09. Title of animal - Sale or adoption.

The title to any animal sold or adopted in accordance with this chapter passes to the
individual taking custody or control of the animal.
### § 36-21.2-10. Veterinarian.

If upon examining an animal a licensed veterinarian determines that there is reasonable
cause to believe an animal has been neglected, abused, treated cruelly, or subjected to any act
or omission in violation of this chapter, the veterinarian may retain custody of the animal and
shall immediately notify law enforcement officials regarding the determination.
### § 36-21.2-11. Caged animals - Public display - Exemptions - Penalty.

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, a person placing a caged
animal on public display shall ensure that:
a. The size of the cage allows the animal to stand up, lie down, and turn or move
about; and
b. The cage provides the animal with protection from the elements, as appropriate
for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition.
2. Any person that willfully fails to meet the requirements of this section is guilty of a
class A misdemeanor.
3. This section does not apply to:
a. The North Dakota state fair association;
b. Agricultural fair associations; or
c. Political subdivisions.
4. The following do not constitute violations of this section:
a. Any usual and customary practice in:
(1) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the
livestock industry;
(2) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing,
and training of animals;
(3) The sport of rodeo;

(4) Animal racing;
(5) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act,
7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(6) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(7) Wildlife management;
(8) The culinary arts;
(9) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(10) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition
of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
b. Any action taken by an individual against an animal that is attacking or is about to
attack a human, a companion animal, or livestock;
c. The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
d. Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
### § 36-21.2-12. Unattended animal in motor vehicle - Penalty.

1. An individual may not leave an animal unattended in a motor vehicle without ensuring
that the animal's health and safety is not endangered.
2. An individual who violates this section is guilty of an infraction.
3. A law enforcement officer may use reasonable means to enter a motor vehicle and
remove an animal left in violation of this section.
### § 36-21.2-13. Immunity from liability.

A veterinarian is immune from civil or criminal liability if the veterinarian, on the
veterinarian's own initiative or at the request of a law enforcement officer or other governmental
entity, renders emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal under this chapter. Immunity
under this section does not apply in the case of negligence.
### § 36-21.2-14. Estrays.

This chapter does not apply to estrays.
### § 36-21.2-15. Multiple animals - Enhancement of offense.

If a violation of this chapter involves multiple animals, whether of the same species or not,
the violation is deemed to be a singular offense for purposes of enhancement.
