Minnesota § 343.20 - DEFINITIONS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 343.20 — DEFINITIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 343.20. DEFINITIONS
Subdivision 1.Application.
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, for purposes of sections 343.20 to 343.36, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.Animal.
"Animal" means every living creature except members of the human race.
Subd. 3.Torture; cruelty.
"Torture" or "cruelty" means every act, omission, or neglect which causes or permits unnecessary or unjustifiable pain, suffering, or death.
Subd. 4.Impure and unwholesome milk.
"Impure and unwholesome milk" means all milk obtained from diseased or unhealthy animals, or from animals fed on any substance which is putrefied or fermented.
Subd. 5.Animal control officer.
"Animal control officer" means an officer employed by or under contract with an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other governmental subdivision of the state which is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.
Subd. 6.Pet or companion animal.
"Pet or companion animal" includes any animal owned, possessed by, cared for, or controlled by a person for the present or future enjoyment of that person or another as a pet or companion, or any stray pet or stray companion animal.
Subd. 7.Service animal.
"Service animal" means an animal trained to assist a person with a disability.
Subd. 8.Substantial bodily harm.
"Substantial bodily harm" means bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily member to a service animal or a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 9.Great bodily harm.
"Great bodily harm" means bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or other serious bodily harm to a service animal or a pet or companion animal.
History:
(10442) RL s 5151; 1981 c 53 s 1; 1989 c 37 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 5-8
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 343.20
What does Minnesota Statutes § 343.20 cover?
Section 343.20 ("DEFINITIONS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 343.20?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 343.20" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 343.20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.