This informative page has been complied to help you, our law enforcement partners, and our Minnesota state-wide humane agents navigate through some of the federal, Minnesota state laws (includes quick links to more commonly used statutes), criminal codes, ordinances as well as licensing requirements, dog and cat breeder requirements, Minnesota veterinarians/mandated reporting, why reporting is so important, The Link, legal resources and livestock protections and standards of care pertaining to animal welfare and public safety.
MINNESOTA STATUTES
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
Quick Links:
343.12 Duties of Peace Officers
343.16 Running at Large
343.21 Overworking or Mistreating Animals; Penalties
343.20 Definitions
343.40 Dog Houses
343.235 Disposition of Seized Animals
346.38 Equines
343.01 Purposes; Powers; County Organization
343.06 Purpose of the Federation
343.10 County and District Societies
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.
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
Quick Links:
343.12 Duties of Peace Officers
343.16 Running at Large
343.21 Overworking or Mistreating Animals; Penalties
343.20 Definitions
343.40 Dog Houses
343.235 Disposition of Seized Animals
346.38 Equines
343.01 Purposes; Powers; County Organization
343.06 Purpose of the Federation
343.10 County and District Societies
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 appointed MFHS Minnesota State-wide 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
How to file a civil action in Minnesota:
-Minnesota Judicial Branch - Civil Actions (mncourts.gov)
Need legal advice or counsel?
-Animal Legal Defense Fund - The Legal Voice for All Animals (aldf.org)
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 appointed MFHS Minnesota State-wide 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
How to file a civil action in Minnesota:
-Minnesota Judicial Branch - Civil Actions (mncourts.gov)
Need legal advice or counsel?
-Animal Legal Defense Fund - The Legal Voice for All Animals (aldf.org)
LIVESTOCK PROTECTIONS AND SHELTER REQUIREMENTS
Cattle Minnesota
https://extension.umn.edu/dairy-milking-cows/space-requirements-dairy-cows
346.36 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.Scope. Sections 346.35 to 346.44shall only apply to veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities. As used in sections 346.35 to 346.44 the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.Abuse. "Abuse" means intentionally causing unnecessary pain, injury, suffering, or harassment to a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 3.Cruelty. "Cruelty" means causing or allowing unnecessary pain, suffering, or unjustifiable injury or death to a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 4.Expert opinion. "Expert opinion" means the opinion of at least one licensed Minnesota veterinarian selected by an investigating officer.
Subd. 5.Neglect. "Neglect" means failure to provide the minimum care required for the health and well-being of a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 6.Pet or companion animal. "Pet" or "companion animal" means a nonhuman mammal, bird, or reptile impounded or held for breeding, or possessed by, cared for, or controlled by a person for the present or future enjoyment of that person or another.
Subd. 7.Shelter; confinement area. "Shelter" or "confinement area" means an enclosure provided to protect or confine a pet or companion animal when it is not in transit.
346.42 OTHER ANIMALS.
Animals not covered in detail in sections 346.38 to 346.41 must be maintained in accordance with a general standard of care necessary for the species as determined by an expert opinion.
346.43 FARM ANIMALS EXCLUDED.
Sections 346.35 to 346.44 do not apply to the care or treatment of an agricultural or farm animal which is used for food or other products or any other agricultural use.
STANDARDS OF CARE
Standards for ALL livestock
General care and production-
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Allowed or recommended
Required
Required
Allowed or recommended
Required
Required
Required
The United States Department of Agriculture published new organic livestock and poultry production standards. The goal of clearer standards is to increase consistency in animal welfare practices.
The updated standards provide more details for indoor and outdoor living conditions, poultry stocking densities, preventative health care, physical alterations, euthanasia, transport, handling and slaughter.
The National Organic Program will implement and enforce compliance with these standards.
When will the new standards take effect?
Organic-certified operations must comply with the new standards by Jan. 12, 2025.
Poultry operations certified before Jan. 2, 2025, do not need to comply with the following standards until Jan. 12, 2029:
Author: Sabrina Florentino, Extension educator, alternative livestock production systems
Reviewed in 2024
Source:
https://extension.umn.edu/livestock-operations/standards-organic-livestock-and-poultry-production#:~:text=Mammalian%20and%20non%2Davian%20livestock,Animals%20clean%20dry%20and%20comfortable.
Cattle Shelter/Professionally Advised Standards of Care by The United States Department of Agriculture and The University of Minnesota Veterinary Extension
Standards for ALL livestock
General care and production-
Required
Includes shelter requirements and standards of care as advised by a veterinary professional as required by Minnesota law
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9100/full
Cattle Minnesota
https://extension.umn.edu/dairy-milking-cows/space-requirements-dairy-cows
346.36 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.Scope. Sections 346.35 to 346.44shall only apply to veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities. As used in sections 346.35 to 346.44 the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.Abuse. "Abuse" means intentionally causing unnecessary pain, injury, suffering, or harassment to a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 3.Cruelty. "Cruelty" means causing or allowing unnecessary pain, suffering, or unjustifiable injury or death to a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 4.Expert opinion. "Expert opinion" means the opinion of at least one licensed Minnesota veterinarian selected by an investigating officer.
Subd. 5.Neglect. "Neglect" means failure to provide the minimum care required for the health and well-being of a pet or companion animal.
Subd. 6.Pet or companion animal. "Pet" or "companion animal" means a nonhuman mammal, bird, or reptile impounded or held for breeding, or possessed by, cared for, or controlled by a person for the present or future enjoyment of that person or another.
Subd. 7.Shelter; confinement area. "Shelter" or "confinement area" means an enclosure provided to protect or confine a pet or companion animal when it is not in transit.
346.42 OTHER ANIMALS.
Animals not covered in detail in sections 346.38 to 346.41 must be maintained in accordance with a general standard of care necessary for the species as determined by an expert opinion.
346.43 FARM ANIMALS EXCLUDED.
Sections 346.35 to 346.44 do not apply to the care or treatment of an agricultural or farm animal which is used for food or other products or any other agricultural use.
STANDARDS OF CARE
Standards for ALL livestock
General care and production-
Required
- Species suitable to site conditions.
- Appropriate housing.
- Daily ration meets nutritional requirements.
Required
- Identify sick and injured animals.
- Record treatment in health records of sick and injured animals.
- Actively monitor lameness.
- Timely and appropriate lameness treatment and mitigation.
Required
- Pasture management.
- Fecal monitoring.
- Outbreak emergency plan.
Required
- Minimize pain, stress and suffering.
Required
- Maintain written plans for euthanasia.
- Ensure animals are dead.
- Nonorganic methods in an emergency when directed by a government agency.
- Use “American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.”
- Euthanasia when treatments on and off the National list cannot heal animals.
- Euthanasia via suffocation, manual blunt force trauma, or neck crushing equipment.
Required
- Shelter provides sufficient space to lie down, stand up, fully stretch limbs and express normal behavior.
- Shelter is appropriate for the species.
- Shelter protects from extreme weather.
- Shelter reduces the potential for injury.
Allowed or recommended
- Milking.
- Feeding.
- Herd checks.
- Stalls for part of the day.
Required
- Large and comfortable.
- Livestock is clean, dry and free of lesions.
Required
- Unencumbered year-round outdoor access.
- If access to soil, vegetation must be maintained.
- Pasture access during grazing season for ruminants.
Allowed or recommended
- During time required for natural or artificial breeding.
- Confinement at nonorganic certified facilities for youth livestock project.
- For observing estrus.
Required
- Organic animals are identified clearly.
- Crippled or non-ambulatory animals.
Required
- Seasonally appropriate ventilation.
- Bedding for trailer floors and holding pens.
- Animals clean dry and comfortable.
- Transportation operation emergency plans.
Required
- Certifying agents have the authority to review records on humane handling and slaughter and required corrective actions.
- Slaughter facilities are in full compliance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act regulated by the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
- Exotic animals are handled with the same humane standards as livestock.
The United States Department of Agriculture published new organic livestock and poultry production standards. The goal of clearer standards is to increase consistency in animal welfare practices.
The updated standards provide more details for indoor and outdoor living conditions, poultry stocking densities, preventative health care, physical alterations, euthanasia, transport, handling and slaughter.
The National Organic Program will implement and enforce compliance with these standards.
When will the new standards take effect?
Organic-certified operations must comply with the new standards by Jan. 12, 2025.
Poultry operations certified before Jan. 2, 2025, do not need to comply with the following standards until Jan. 12, 2029:
- Broiler indoor and outdoor stocking density requirements and outdoor space requirements.
- Layer outdoor space requirements.
- Poultry exit area requirements.
Author: Sabrina Florentino, Extension educator, alternative livestock production systems
Reviewed in 2024
Source:
https://extension.umn.edu/livestock-operations/standards-organic-livestock-and-poultry-production#:~:text=Mammalian%20and%20non%2Davian%20livestock,Animals%20clean%20dry%20and%20comfortable.
Cattle Shelter/Professionally Advised Standards of Care by The United States Department of Agriculture and The University of Minnesota Veterinary Extension
Standards for ALL livestock
General care and production-
Required
- Species suitable to site conditions.
- Appropriate housing.
- Daily ration meets nutritional requirements.
Includes shelter requirements and standards of care as advised by a veterinary professional as required by Minnesota law
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9100/full
If you have questions, or need help with an animal welfare issue, please contact us.
Minnesota Statutes 343.21, 346.38 Equines, 343.40 Dog Houses & Educational Handouts for law enforcement and the public.
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-Important Note: Cedar shavings are not recommended. Instead, it is recommended to use at least 6" of quality, clean and dry straw or hemp shavings to allow the animal to bed down safely and retain body heat. Bedding should be changed as often as is required to remain clean and dry. Consult with a licensed veterinarian pertaining to the dangers of using toxic materials that may be harmful to your animals.
-Make sure the dog house you buy or build is insulated. Don't be fooled by products that say they are insulated when they are not. -Reach out to North Wind Farm Shelters at (218) 235-3533 for information pertaining to equine/farm type structures. |
Contact Us should you like copies of the above educational materials emailed to you.
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