12/28/2025
Shooting cats, feral, stray or otherwise, is a serious chargeable and prosecutable crime in Minnesota. Hunting, poisoning, or harming cats is against the law in our state.
Cats under Minnesota Law are defined as a companion animal regardless of whether or not they have a home. You can report crimes against cats via our website at https://www.mnfedhs.org/how-to-report-animal-cruelty.html .
Violators of animal cruelty laws are charged and prosecuted-just don’t do it. Instead, reach out to professional TNR/Community Cats professionals. Work with them and stay out of jail.
Check out our Community Cats Resources page at https://www.mnfedhs.org/minnesota-and-national-community-cat-resources.html
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343.21 OVERWORKING OR MISTREATING ANIMALS; PENALTY.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/343.21
(b) A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in substantial bodily harm to a pet or companion animal may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
(c) A person convicted of violating paragraph (b) within five years of a previous gross misdemeanor or felony conviction for violating this section may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
(d) A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in death or great bodily harm to a pet or companion animal may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
(g) A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in substantial bodily harm to a pet or companion animal, and the act is done to threaten, intimidate, or terrorize another person, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
(i) A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in death or great bodily harm to a pet or companion animal, and the act is done to threaten, intimidate, or terrorize another person, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than four years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
