N.D. Cent. Code § 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.