(1) A person commits the crime of animal neglect in the second degree if, except as otherwise authorized by law, the person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence: (a) Fails to provide minimum care for an animal in such persons custody or control; or (b) Tethers a domestic animal in the persons custody or control and the tethering results in physical injury to the domestic animal. (2) Animal neglect in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, animal neglect in the second degree is a Class C felony if: (a) The person committing the offense has previously been convicted of two or more offenses under this section, ORS 167.330 or the equivalent laws of another jurisdiction; (b) The offense was part of a criminal episode involving 11 or more animals; or (c) The person knowingly commits the offense in the immediate presence of a minor child and the person has one or more previous convictions for an offense involving domestic violence as defined in ORS 135.230. For purposes of this paragraph, a minor child is in the immediate presence of animal neglect if the neglect is seen or directly perceived in any other manner by the minor child. (4) The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission shall classify animal neglect in the second degree under subsection (3) of this section: (a) As crime category 6 if 11 to 40 animals were the subject of the neglect. (b) As crime category 7 if more than 40 animals were the subject of the neglect or if the offense is a felony because of circumstances described in subsection (3)(a) or (c) of this section.
‹ Prev All Oregon sections Next ›
Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.