WELCOME MINNESOTA LAW ENFORCEMENT
Animal Welfare Laws
MINNESOTA ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTES AND CRIMINAL CODES
The following links will help provide you with current information on Minnesota animal welfare laws, statutes and codes.
STATUTES
Cruelty to Animals – Chapter 343
343.21 OVERWORKING OR MISTREATING ANIMALS; PENALTY.
343.40 DOG HOUSES.
Pet and Companion Welfare Act – Chapter 346
Minnesota Exotic Animals – Chapter 346.155
346.38 EQUINES.
Regulation of Dangerous Dogs – Chapter 347.50
Sale of Dogs and Cats – Chapter 325F
Livestock and disease control – Chapter 35
Fish & Game – Chapter 97A
CRIMINAL CODE
Misrepresentation of Service Animal – Code 609.033
Harm Caused by Dog – Code 609.226
Dangerous Animals Destroyed – Code 609.227
Unauthorized Release of Animals – Code 609.552
Killing or Harming a Public Safety Dog – Code 609.596
LOCAL ORDINANCES AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Animal licensing and ordinances have been established to protect the citizens as well as the animals in your community. Contact your local city planner, law enforcement or animal control officer for your cities specific requirements.
DOG AND CAT BREEDER BILL
Commercial dog and cat breeders in Minnesota must be licensed and inspected by the Board of Animal Health. A commercial breeder is defined (Minnesota Statutes 347.57) as a person who possesses or has an ownership interest in animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for sale or for exchange in return for consideration, and who possesses ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five total litters of puppies or kittens per year.
To become licensed, the commercial breeder must submit a license application accompanied by the initial license fee. The fee for licensure is $10 per adult intact animal up to a maximum of $250. The commercial breeding facility must then be inspected by the Board of Animal Health to verify that it meets all the requirements specified in Minnesota Statutes 347.57 to 347.64.
Click here to apply for a license.
Click here to pay license fee or renewal online.
FEDERAL ANIMAL WELFARE LAW
For up to date information please visit the following website: https://aldf.org/article/laws-that-protect-animals/
The following links will help provide you with current information on Minnesota animal welfare laws, statutes and codes.
STATUTES
Cruelty to Animals – Chapter 343
343.21 OVERWORKING OR MISTREATING ANIMALS; PENALTY.
343.40 DOG HOUSES.
Pet and Companion Welfare Act – Chapter 346
Minnesota Exotic Animals – Chapter 346.155
346.38 EQUINES.
Regulation of Dangerous Dogs – Chapter 347.50
Sale of Dogs and Cats – Chapter 325F
Livestock and disease control – Chapter 35
Fish & Game – Chapter 97A
CRIMINAL CODE
Misrepresentation of Service Animal – Code 609.033
Harm Caused by Dog – Code 609.226
Dangerous Animals Destroyed – Code 609.227
Unauthorized Release of Animals – Code 609.552
Killing or Harming a Public Safety Dog – Code 609.596
LOCAL ORDINANCES AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Animal licensing and ordinances have been established to protect the citizens as well as the animals in your community. Contact your local city planner, law enforcement or animal control officer for your cities specific requirements.
DOG AND CAT BREEDER BILL
Commercial dog and cat breeders in Minnesota must be licensed and inspected by the Board of Animal Health. A commercial breeder is defined (Minnesota Statutes 347.57) as a person who possesses or has an ownership interest in animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for sale or for exchange in return for consideration, and who possesses ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five total litters of puppies or kittens per year.
To become licensed, the commercial breeder must submit a license application accompanied by the initial license fee. The fee for licensure is $10 per adult intact animal up to a maximum of $250. The commercial breeding facility must then be inspected by the Board of Animal Health to verify that it meets all the requirements specified in Minnesota Statutes 347.57 to 347.64.
Click here to apply for a license.
Click here to pay license fee or renewal online.
FEDERAL ANIMAL WELFARE LAW
For up to date information please visit the following website: https://aldf.org/article/laws-that-protect-animals/
MINNESOTA VETERINARIANS ARE MANDATORY REPORTERS "MUST REPORT" (346.37 e Subd. 6)
Covered person: veterinarian
Animal Abuse Reporting is: mandatory "must report" (346.37 e Subd. 6)
Reportable Offenses:abuse, cruelty, neglect (346.37 e Subd. 6)
Report to: peace officers or humane agents (343.12, 343.29)
Sources: Minnesota Statutes 346.37. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Subdivision 6
https://www.avma.org/resources/animal-health-welfare/minnesota-animal-abuse-resources-veterinarians
PROTECTING ANIMALS AND HUMANS
By reporting and investigating suspected animal cruelty, abuse and/or neglect, trained and certified MFHS State Humane Agents together with Law Enforcement have the ability to stop potential violence and suffering and protect both animals and humans.
THE LINK
Over the past 35 years, researchers and professionals in a variety of human services and animal welfare disciplines have established significant correlations between animal abuse, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse and other forms of violence. Mistreating animals is no longer seen as an isolated incident that can be ignored: it is often an indicator or predictor crime and a “red flag” warning sign that other family members in the household may not be safe. http://nationallinkcoalition.org/
Covered person: veterinarian
Animal Abuse Reporting is: mandatory "must report" (346.37 e Subd. 6)
Reportable Offenses:abuse, cruelty, neglect (346.37 e Subd. 6)
Report to: peace officers or humane agents (343.12, 343.29)
Sources: Minnesota Statutes 346.37. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Subdivision 6
https://www.avma.org/resources/animal-health-welfare/minnesota-animal-abuse-resources-veterinarians
PROTECTING ANIMALS AND HUMANS
By reporting and investigating suspected animal cruelty, abuse and/or neglect, trained and certified MFHS State Humane Agents together with Law Enforcement have the ability to stop potential violence and suffering and protect both animals and humans.
THE LINK
Over the past 35 years, researchers and professionals in a variety of human services and animal welfare disciplines have established significant correlations between animal abuse, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse and other forms of violence. Mistreating animals is no longer seen as an isolated incident that can be ignored: it is often an indicator or predictor crime and a “red flag” warning sign that other family members in the household may not be safe. http://nationallinkcoalition.org/
MINNESOTA FEDERATED HUMANE SOCIETIES
343.01 PURPOSES; POWERS; COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
Subdivision 1.Formation authorized.
A state federation of county and district societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals may be created as a corporation under chapter 317A for the purpose provided in section 343.06. The Federation may appoint representatives in any county where no active county or district society exists for the purpose of receiving and accounting for funds from any source, and may also appoint agents at large to carry out the work of The Federation throughout the state. The Federation and all county and district societies may appoint agents for the purpose of investigating or otherwise assisting lawfully empowered officials in the prosecution of persons charged with cruelty to animals. Appointed agents must have training and experience in activities relating to prevention of cruelty to animals or enforcement of laws relating to cruelty to animals. The Federation may make bylaws as are necessary to implement its authority under this chapter and under chapter 317A.
Subd. 1a.Minnesota Humane Society; continuation confirmed.
The Minnesota Humane Society, also known as the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, is confirmed and continued as a nonprofit organization under chapter 317A.
Subd. 1b.Independent organizations; powers of the federated humane societies.
(a) The Minnesota Humane Society, also known as the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, and the Minnesota Federated Humane Societies are not affiliated with each other or with the state of Minnesota.
(b) The Minnesota Federated Humane Societies have the powers given to it under this chapter.
Subd. 2.Unauthorized use of names prohibited.
It is unlawful for any organization, association, firm or corporation not named in this chapter to refer to itself as or in any way to use the names Minnesota Federated Humane Societies, Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, the Minnesota Humane Society, or any combination of words or phrases using the above names which would imply that it represents, acts in behalf or is a branch of the society or the federation.
Subd. 3.Powers and duties.
The Federation and the society must each be governed by a board of directors designated in accordance with chapter 317A. The powers, duties, and organization of The Federation and the society and other matters for the conduct of the business of The Federation and the society are as provided in chapter 317A and in the articles of incorporation and bylaws of each organization.
343.06 PURPOSE OF FEDERATION.It shall be the purpose of the state federation of county and district humane societies to assist in the enforcement of the laws for the prevention of wrongs to animals; to assist in the organization of district and county societies and give them representation in the state federation; to aid such societies and agents in the enforcement of the laws for the prevention of wrongs to animals which may now or hereafter exist, and to promote the growth of education and sentiment favorable to the protection of animals.
343.01 PURPOSES; POWERS; COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
Subdivision 1.Formation authorized.
A state federation of county and district societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals may be created as a corporation under chapter 317A for the purpose provided in section 343.06. The Federation may appoint representatives in any county where no active county or district society exists for the purpose of receiving and accounting for funds from any source, and may also appoint agents at large to carry out the work of The Federation throughout the state. The Federation and all county and district societies may appoint agents for the purpose of investigating or otherwise assisting lawfully empowered officials in the prosecution of persons charged with cruelty to animals. Appointed agents must have training and experience in activities relating to prevention of cruelty to animals or enforcement of laws relating to cruelty to animals. The Federation may make bylaws as are necessary to implement its authority under this chapter and under chapter 317A.
Subd. 1a.Minnesota Humane Society; continuation confirmed.
The Minnesota Humane Society, also known as the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, is confirmed and continued as a nonprofit organization under chapter 317A.
Subd. 1b.Independent organizations; powers of the federated humane societies.
(a) The Minnesota Humane Society, also known as the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, and the Minnesota Federated Humane Societies are not affiliated with each other or with the state of Minnesota.
(b) The Minnesota Federated Humane Societies have the powers given to it under this chapter.
Subd. 2.Unauthorized use of names prohibited.
It is unlawful for any organization, association, firm or corporation not named in this chapter to refer to itself as or in any way to use the names Minnesota Federated Humane Societies, Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, the Minnesota Humane Society, or any combination of words or phrases using the above names which would imply that it represents, acts in behalf or is a branch of the society or the federation.
Subd. 3.Powers and duties.
The Federation and the society must each be governed by a board of directors designated in accordance with chapter 317A. The powers, duties, and organization of The Federation and the society and other matters for the conduct of the business of The Federation and the society are as provided in chapter 317A and in the articles of incorporation and bylaws of each organization.
343.06 PURPOSE OF FEDERATION.It shall be the purpose of the state federation of county and district humane societies to assist in the enforcement of the laws for the prevention of wrongs to animals; to assist in the organization of district and county societies and give them representation in the state federation; to aid such societies and agents in the enforcement of the laws for the prevention of wrongs to animals which may now or hereafter exist, and to promote the growth of education and sentiment favorable to the protection of animals.
Should you have questions, need assistance with an animal welfare issue or would like a copy of the above Proper Outdoor Dog Shelter Flyer emailed to you please contact MFHS at 612.866.8663 or email us at MFHS@mnfedhs.org
ANIMAL WELFARE TRAINING
The 2021 State Humane Agent Training is in development. As a result of Covid-19, we will not be conducting in person training seminars at this time and instead have and are continuing to develop webinars specifically designed for Minnesota Law Enforcement, current appointed MFHS State Humane Agents and new recruits. Each one hour session will provide 1 hour of continuing education credit.
Dates and times for training webinars will be posted here on our MFHS website, on our MFHS Facebook and MFHS State Humane Agent group pages. Invitations to register for the webinars will be sent to Minnesota Law Enforcement and MFHS State Humane Agents 2 weeks in advance. Register early to make sure you get a virtual seat as space is limited. Stay tuned.
MFHS/HSUS Law Enforcement & State Humane Agent Education Series Webinars are as follows:
-Animal Welfare Law and Field Education
-Minnesota Animal Welfare Law, Animal Fighting & Animal Welfare Investigations
-Approaching Dogs and Advanced Field Education
Law Enforcement Training conducted by Todd Stosuy. Elisa Johnson-MFHS/ED/State Humane Agent/Investigations, Christine Coughlin-HSUS/MN Director
MFHS State Humane Agent Training conducted by Sgt. Mike Frye-Mpls. PD/Investigations, Jena Wasche-MACC/ACO/Investigations, Mark Anderson-NMACC/ACO/Investigations, Mario Lee-ACO, State Humane Agent/Investigations
Thank you to to our wonderful colleagues at HSUS and to the sponsors Justice Clearinghouse and NACA for your support.
Invitations to attend trainings will be sent via email to all current certified agents, interested law enforcement and qualified applicants.
For more information or to request a link to a current training please Contact us.
Dates and times for training webinars will be posted here on our MFHS website, on our MFHS Facebook and MFHS State Humane Agent group pages. Invitations to register for the webinars will be sent to Minnesota Law Enforcement and MFHS State Humane Agents 2 weeks in advance. Register early to make sure you get a virtual seat as space is limited. Stay tuned.
MFHS/HSUS Law Enforcement & State Humane Agent Education Series Webinars are as follows:
-Animal Welfare Law and Field Education
-Minnesota Animal Welfare Law, Animal Fighting & Animal Welfare Investigations
-Approaching Dogs and Advanced Field Education
Law Enforcement Training conducted by Todd Stosuy. Elisa Johnson-MFHS/ED/State Humane Agent/Investigations, Christine Coughlin-HSUS/MN Director
MFHS State Humane Agent Training conducted by Sgt. Mike Frye-Mpls. PD/Investigations, Jena Wasche-MACC/ACO/Investigations, Mark Anderson-NMACC/ACO/Investigations, Mario Lee-ACO, State Humane Agent/Investigations
Thank you to to our wonderful colleagues at HSUS and to the sponsors Justice Clearinghouse and NACA for your support.
Invitations to attend trainings will be sent via email to all current certified agents, interested law enforcement and qualified applicants.
For more information or to request a link to a current training please Contact us.
A very special thank you to all the law enforcement and animal control officers throughout the entire state of Minnesota. Thank you for your support, your dedication and service. ~ Thank you.
