Chapter 343 — Purposes; Powers; County Organization

343.01 Purposes; Powers; County Organization Allows creation of humane societies to prevent animal cruelty and sets rules for county organizations. 343.02 Authorizes county humane societies to organize and work with the state federation. 343.03 Requires humane society members to take an oath and keep records of their work. 343.04 Gives humane society agents the right to inspect places where animals are kept. 343.05 Requires humane society agents to act in good faith when doing inspections. 343.06 Purpose of Federation Explains the purpose of the state federation for preventing cruelty to animals. 343.07 Sets rules for how humane societies report their finances and activities. 343.08 Covers the authority of humane society agents during investigations. 343.09 Provides procedures for animal seizure by humane agents when cruelty is found. 343.10 County and District Societies Covers care and housing of animals taken by humane societies during investigations. 343.11 Acquisition of Property, Appropriations Allows counties to provide funding to humane societies for their animal protection work. 343.12 Duties of Peace Officers Covers the humane transport of animals and bans cruel methods of shipping. 343.20 Definitions Defines key terms used in the animal cruelty laws, including animal, torture, and cruelty. 343.21 Overworking or Mistreating Animals; Penalty Lists acts that count as animal cruelty, including abuse, neglect, and abandonment. 343.215 Veterinarian Immunity Protects veterinarians from lawsuits when they report suspected animal cruelty in good faith. 343.22 Investigation of Cruelty Complaints Sets criminal penalties for committing animal cruelty. 343.23 Expenses of Investigation Requires shelters to keep records and hold stray animals before euthanasia. 343.235 Disposition of Seized Animals Requires pet sellers to provide health information and sets buyer protections. 343.24 Cruelty in Transportation Provides procedures for seizing and caring for abused or neglected animals. 343.25 Docking Horses; Penalty Bans horse tripping and sets penalties for this form of animal cruelty. 343.26 Covers emergency care of seized animals and payment of care costs. 343.27 Poisoning Animals Bans cockfighting and dogfighting, including attending or organizing animal fights. 343.28 Animal With Infectious Disease Allows courts to ban convicted animal abusers from owning animals. 343.29 Exposure of Animals; Duty of Officers Covers forfeiture of animals and property used in animal fighting. 343.30 Injury to Birds Provides extra penalties for animal cruelty committed in front of a child. 343.31 Animal Fights and Possession of Fighting Animals Bans poisoning of animals and sets penalties for leaving out poison. 343.315 Live Lure Greyhound Training or Racing Bans using live animals as lures or bait in greyhound racing or training. 343.32 Artificially Colored Animals; Sale Requires that animals killed for food or other purposes be killed humanely. 343.33 Use as Advertising Devices Covers dog registration and licensing requirements. 343.34 Care of Animals Used as Advertising Devices Grants authority to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty violations. 343.35 Violations Bans the use of animals as prizes or gifts at events and promotions. 343.36 Greased Pig Contests and Turkey Scrambles Makes owners responsible when their dogs cause injury or property damage. 343.37 Decompression Chambers Prohibited Requires fur farms to treat animals humanely and follow care standards. 343.40 Dog Houses Sets rules for tethering dogs outdoors, including weather and time limits.