The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Agricultural animal.” Any bovine animal, equine animal, sheep, goat, pig, poultry, bird, fowl, wild or semiwild animal or fish or other aquatic animal that is being raised, kept, transported or utilized for the purpose of or pursuant to agricultural production.

“Agricultural production.” The production and preparation for market of agricultural animals and their products and of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and aquacultural crops and commodities.

“Board.” The Humane Society Police Officer Advisory Board.

“Complainant.” Any person who has evidence that an individual appointed as a humane society police officer has performed in a manner that is contrary to the standards, requirements and qualifications prescribed in this chapter for appointment of individuals as humane society police officers. The term also includes a district attorney or a municipal solicitor.

“Convicted.” A finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere or receiving probation without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial or an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in the disposition of felony charges.

“Cruelty to animals laws.” The provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. B (relating to cruelty to animals).¹

“Department.” The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

“Humane society police officer.” Any person who holds a current appointment under this chapter to act as a humane society police officer for a society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The term shall include an individual who is an agent of a society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals as “agent” is used in 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. B (relating to cruelty to animals), provided that individual holds a current appointment under this chapter.

“Secretary.” The Secretary of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

“Serious misdemeanor.” A criminal offense for which more than one year in prison can be imposed as a punishment.

“Society or association.” A nonprofit society or association duly incorporated pursuant to 15 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 Subch. A (relating to incorporation generally) for the purpose of the prevention of cruelty to animals.