We have compiled below the federal and the Minnesota state laws regarding animal welfare for our law enforcement partners, our state humane agents and all others who would like to know how animals are (and aren't) protected under our current laws.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343
Animals, Including Strays and Pet and Companion Welfare Act – Minnesota Statute Chapter 346
Dogs and Cats - Minnesota Statute Chapter 347
Minnesota Exotic (Regulated) Animals
Regulation of Sale of Dogs and Cats – Minnesota Statute Chapter 325F.79-325F.792
Livestock and disease control – Chapter 35
Game and Fish - Minnesota Statute 97A
Minnesota Statutes and Rules About Dog Kennels
CRIMINAL CODE
Misrepresentation of Service Animal
Harm Caused by Dog
Dangerous Dog Destroyed
Unauthorized Release of Animals
Killing or Harming a Public Safety Dog
Assaulting or Harming a Police Horse
LOCAL ORDINANCES AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Animal licensing and ordinances have been passed to protect the citizens as well as the animals in your community. Most city ordinances are available online through your city's website. You can also contact your local city planner, law enforcement or animal control officer for your city's ordinances.
Animal Ordinances (arcgis.com)
DOG AND CAT BREEDER REQUIREMENTS
Commercial dog and cat breeders in Minnesota must be licensed and inspected by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Under Minnesota law, a commercial breeder is defined as a person who is in the business of breeding and selling animals and who owns ten or more adult intact animals that produce more than five 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 Minnesota law.
Click here to apply for a license.
Click here to pay license fee or renewal online.
The Department of Justice has information about the federal animal welfare laws and the enforcement of those laws here. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has also compiled a thorough summary of the protections awarded all animals in the country under federal law.
Animals, Including Strays and Pet and Companion Welfare Act – Minnesota Statute Chapter 346
Dogs and Cats - Minnesota Statute Chapter 347
Minnesota Exotic (Regulated) Animals
Regulation of Sale of Dogs and Cats – Minnesota Statute Chapter 325F.79-325F.792
Livestock and disease control – Chapter 35
Game and Fish - Minnesota Statute 97A
Minnesota Statutes and Rules About Dog Kennels
CRIMINAL CODE
Misrepresentation of Service Animal
Harm Caused by Dog
Dangerous Dog Destroyed
Unauthorized Release of Animals
Killing or Harming a Public Safety Dog
Assaulting or Harming a Police Horse
LOCAL ORDINANCES AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Animal licensing and ordinances have been passed to protect the citizens as well as the animals in your community. Most city ordinances are available online through your city's website. You can also contact your local city planner, law enforcement or animal control officer for your city's ordinances.
Animal Ordinances (arcgis.com)
DOG AND CAT BREEDER REQUIREMENTS
Commercial dog and cat breeders in Minnesota must be licensed and inspected by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Under Minnesota law, a commercial breeder is defined as a person who is in the business of breeding and selling animals and who owns ten or more adult intact animals that produce more than five 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 Minnesota law.
Click here to apply for a license.
Click here to pay license fee or renewal online.
The Department of Justice has information about the federal animal welfare laws and the enforcement of those laws here. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has also compiled a thorough summary of the protections awarded all animals in the country under federal law.
MINNESOTA VETERINARIANS ARE MANDATORY REPORTERS OF ANIMAL ABUSE, CRUELTY AND NEGLECT
They must report all cases of abuse, neglect and cruelty and suspected cases of the same to a peace officer or to a MFHS humane agent.
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/
LEGAL RESOURCES
Minnesota Judicial Branch - Civil Actions (mncourts.gov)
Animal Legal Defense Fund - The Legal Voice for All Animals (aldf.org)
You might also consider reaching out to Anoka County Divorce Attorney | Minnesota Animal Lawyer | Fridley Family Law (gislason-law.com)
They must report all cases of abuse, neglect and cruelty and suspected cases of the same to a peace officer or to a MFHS humane agent.
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/
LEGAL RESOURCES
Minnesota Judicial Branch - Civil Actions (mncourts.gov)
Animal Legal Defense Fund - The Legal Voice for All Animals (aldf.org)
You might also consider reaching out to Anoka County Divorce Attorney | Minnesota Animal Lawyer | Fridley Family Law (gislason-law.com)
If you have questions, or need help with an animal welfare issue, please contact MFHS at 612.866.8663 or at MFHS@mnfedhs.org
Help MFHS to investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, torture and neglect in Minnesota.
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