reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.13 — Fees, Dog License Fund; Disbursal; Accounting.

347.13 FEES, DOG LICENSE FUND; DISBURSAL; ACCOUNTING.
The license fees so paid to the county treasurer shall be kept in a separate account, which shall be known as the dog license fund and shall be appropriated and disbursed for the purposes and in the manner herein set forth.
Expenses necessarily incurred by the county in purchasing and providing books, forms, and other supplies required in the administering of the dog license law shall be paid out of the dog license fund. The amount remaining thereafter in the fund shall be available for and may be used as necessary for paying claims allowed by the county to the owners of domestic animals on account of damages done by dogs during the license year for which the fees were paid. Any surplus in excess of $1,000 which may remain from the license fees of any license year shall, on March 1 of the succeeding year, belong and be credited to and paid by the county treasurer to the towns and cities of the county for their use in the proportion in which the towns and cities shall have contributed and paid to the fund out of which the surplus arises. It shall be used as the governing body of the town or city shall determine. When any county operating under the provisions of sections 347.08 to 347.21 shall discontinue its dog licenses and livestock indemnity fund, any money remaining shall be distributed among the various towns in proportion to license money paid in.
History:
(7297-46) 1939 c 410 s 6; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.14 — Unlicensed Dogs.

347.14 UNLICENSED DOGS.
Subdivision 1.
Seizure; impoundment; presumption.
Any person may seize, impound, or restrain any unlicensed dog which the person may find running at large. The fact that a dog is without a license attached to a collar shall be presumptive evidence that the dog is unlicensed. The sheriff and sheriff's deputies or other police officer shall seize, impound or restrain any dog for which no license has been issued and for which one is required. Any officer who shall seize, restrain, impound, or kill any dog found in any place without a license, as required under sections 347.09 to 347.20, upon delivery of such dog or carcass and the proper disposal of the carcass and after making a report to the town or city treasurer of the town or city in which the dog was seized or killed, showing that the dog did not have a license, shall receive therefor a payment of $2, the same to be made from any funds in the town or city treasury not otherwise appropriated.
The county auditor shall reimburse the town for any expense incurred under section 347.10 and shall charge such expense to the dog license fund.
Subd. 2.
Prohibition; enforcement.
It is unlawful for a person to harbor or permit to remain about the person's premises a dog for which no license exists and for which one is required. Any person who has seized or impounded a dog with or without license under this section shall deliver the dog to the humane officer of the town or city, if a humane officer exists; or, if there is not a humane officer, to the town or city peace officer. The officer to whom the dog is delivered shall, without delay, notify the owner, personally or through the United States mail, if the owner is known to the officer or can be ascertained with reasonable effort. If, after five regular business days of the impounding agency, the owner does not claim the dog, the officer may dispose of the dog in a proper and humane manner. For the purpose of this section, "regular business day" means a day during which the establishment having custody of the dog is open to the public at least four consecutive hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Subd. 3.
Penalties.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of sections 347.08 to 347.21 shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $5 nor more than $50 for such violation.
History:
(7297-47) 1939 c 410 s 7; 1943 c 294 s 3; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1986 c 444; 2005 c 10 art 2 s 4; 2006 c 223 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.15 — Persons Damaged, Claims Filed.

347.15 PERSONS DAMAGED, CLAIMS FILED.
Subdivision 1.
Presentation and investigation.
The owner of any domestic animals, including poultry and game birds, attacked, chased, worried, injured, or killed by a dog or dogs may, within ten days after the owner shall have knowledge or notice thereof, file a written claim for damages with the clerk of the town or city in which the damage occurred. The form of such claim may be prescribed by the county auditor. Upon presentation of such claim the supervisors of the town, the board of trustees of the statutory city, or the council of the city, or a committee appointed for that purpose by the supervisors, the board of trustees or the council, shall promptly investigate the claim and may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and take testimony relative thereto and shall, within 30 days after the filing of the claim, make, certify, and return to the county auditor the claim, a report of the investigation, the testimony taken, and the amount of damages, if any, suffered by the owner of the animals.
Subd. 2.
Form; proof; allowances; appeal.
The form of the report and certification shall be prescribed by the county auditor and shall be subscribed by the supervisors, board, or committee making the same. The county auditor shall lay before the county board, at its first meeting following the receipt of the claim, all claims so filed and reported and the same shall be acted upon and determined by the county board as other claims are determined and acted upon, and the county board shall equalize the values and claims between and within the various towns of the county. The amount of damages filed and reported to the county auditor shall be prima facie proof of the actual damages sustained, but evidence may be taken before the county board relative to the claims as in other cases, and appeals from the action of the county board shall lie as in other cases. On appeal from the action of the county board, the trial shall be by the court without a jury.
Subd. 3.
Payment.
Such claims shall be solely against the dog license fund and shall create no other liability on the part of the county.
Subd. 4.
Limitation of amount.
The amount allowed by the county board upon any such claim shall in no case exceed $100 for each horse, mule, or bovine; $15 for each sheep or goat; $30 for each swine; or $3 for each fowl. When the claimant shall furnish conclusive evidence as to the ownership of the dog or dogs doing the damage the claimant shall be paid the full amount of the claim submitted.
Subd. 5.
Distribution.
Distribution of the dog license fund among claimants for loss of animals by dogs within the license year shall be made at the close of the license year.
History:
(7297-48) 1939 c 410 s 8; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.16 — Claims, Hearings, Notice.

347.16 CLAIMS, HEARINGS, NOTICE.
No claim shall be allowed by the county board at less than the amount so certified and reported, unless the claimant shall first be notified that such action is contemplated and shall have been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard and to offer further evidence in support of the claim.
History:
(7297-50) 1939 c 410 s 10; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.17 — Killing Dogs In Certain Cases.

347.17 KILLING DOGS IN CERTAIN CASES.
Any person may kill any dog that the person knows is affected with the disease known as hydrophobia, or that may suddenly attack while the person is peacefully walking or riding and while being out of the enclosure of its owner or keeper, and may kill any dog found killing, wounding, or worrying any horses, cattle, sheep, lambs, or other domestic animals.
History:
(7297-49) 1939 c 410 s 9; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.18 — Tags; Restrictions, Prohibitions.

347.18 TAGS; RESTRICTIONS, PROHIBITIONS.
No person, except the owner or the owner's authorized agent, shall remove any license tag from a dog collar or remove any collar with a license attached thereto from any dog. No person shall keep or harbor a dog wearing a fictitious, altered, or invalid license tag, or a license tag not issued in connection with the licensing or keeping of the dog wearing the same. No license or license tag issued for one dog shall be transferable to another dog.
History:
(7297-51) 1939 c 410 s 11; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.19 — Failure To Obtain License.

347.19 FAILURE TO OBTAIN LICENSE.
Every town or city clerk shall notify the county attorney of the clerk's county of every refusal or failure of an owner to obtain a license for keeping a dog, and it shall be the duty of the county attorney to institute proceedings against such owner and against every owner within the county who has violated any of the provisions of sections 347.08 to 347.21.
History:
(7297-51) 1939 c 410 s 11; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.20 — Exemptions.

347.20 EXEMPTIONS.
Dogs brought into this state temporarily for a period not to exceed 30 days shall be exempt from the provisions of sections 347.08 to 347.21.
History:
(7297-52) 1939 c 410 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.21 — Interpretation.

347.21 INTERPRETATION.
Sections 347.08 to 347.21 are supplemental to all other laws relating to dogs not expressly referred to therein, and to all laws relating to taxation of dogs as personal property, and shall not be construed as to modify, repeal, or in anywise affect any part or provision of any such laws not expressly repealed therein or to prevent municipalities from prohibiting, licensing, or regulating the running at large of dogs within their respective limits by law or ordinance now or hereafter provided.
History:
(7297-56) 1939 c 410 s 16
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.22 — Damages, Owner Liable.

347.22 DAMAGES, OWNER LIABLE.
If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the person may lawfully be, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the person so attacked or injured to the full amount of the injury sustained. The term "owner" includes any person harboring or keeping a dog but the owner shall be primarily liable. The term "dog" includes both male and female of the canine species.
History:
1951 c 315 s 1; 1980 c 347 s 1; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.31 — Definitions.

347.31 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Terms.
For the purpose of sections 347.31 to 347.40 the terms defined in this section have the meanings given to them.
Subd. 2.
Kennel.
"Kennel" means any place, building, tract of land, abode, or vehicle wherein or whereupon dogs or cats are kept, congregated, or confined, if the dogs or cats were obtained from municipalities, pounds, auctions, or by advertising for unwanted dogs or cats, or dogs or cats strayed, abandoned, or stolen. "Kennel" does not include a pound owned and operated by any political subdivision of the state or a person's home where dogs or cats are kept as pets.
Subd. 3.
Premises.
"Premises" means any building, structure, shelter, or land wherein or whereon dogs or cats are kept or confined.
Subd. 4.
Dealer.
"Dealer" means a public or private agency, person, society, or corporation that is licensed or is required to be licensed as a "Class B dealer" under United States Code, title 7, sections 2131 to 2155, as amended through December 31, 1986, who sells or transfers dogs or cats to institutions or to other dealers who sell or transfer to institutions.
Subd. 5.
Institution.
"Institution" means a school or college of agriculture, veterinary medicine, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or other educational or scientific organization properly concerned with the investigation of living organisms, instruction concerning the structure or functions of living organisms, or the cause, prevention, control, or cure of diseases or abnormal conditions of human beings or animals.
History:
1967 c 695 s 1; 1969 c 363 s 1; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 2; 1988 c 537 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.32 — License For Kennel Or Dealer.

347.32 LICENSE FOR KENNEL OR DEALER.
No person, firm, or corporation shall establish, maintain, conduct, or operate a kennel or operate as a dealer within this state without first obtaining a license therefor from the board of animal health. The license shall be issued for a term of one year.
History:
1967 c 695 s 2; 1980 c 467 s 37; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.33 — Licensing Procedures; Inspections; Administration.

347.33 LICENSING PROCEDURES; INSPECTIONS; ADMINISTRATION.
Subdivision 1.
Application.
The application for a license to operate and maintain a kennel or operate as a dealer shall be made to the Board of Animal Health, in the manner prescribed by rules of the board.
Subd. 2.
Contents.
The application for a license shall be in writing and on a form as the board may by rule provide, and shall set forth:
(1) The full name and address of the applicant or applicants, or names and addresses of the partners if the applicant is a partnership, or the names and addresses of the officers if the applicant is a corporation, and the address of the corporation.
(2) The legal description or, in its place, the address and specific location of the site, lot, field, or tract of land upon which it is proposed to operate and maintain a kennel.
Subd. 3.
Fees; issuance of license.
The annual license fee is $15 for each kennel and $100 for each dealer licensed. All license fees collected by the board shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the general fund.
When application is made to the board, complete in the manner set forth by rule to be issued by the board, and upon payment of the license fee, the license shall be issued by the board if, after inspection of the premises, the board determines that the kennel or dealer complies with sections 347.31 to 347.40 and the rules promulgated pursuant to those sections.
History:
1967 c 695 s 3; 1975 c 204 s 84; 1980 c 467 s 38; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.34 — Licenses Required.

347.34 LICENSES REQUIRED.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to establish, maintain, conduct, carry on, or operate a kennel or operate as a dealer without first having received a license to maintain, conduct, carry on, and operate a kennel, or operate as a dealer, duly signed and executed in the name of the state of Minnesota and signed by the Board of Animal Health. The license shall be conspicuously displayed upon the licensed premises.
All licenses issued under sections 347.31 to 347.40 shall be personal to the licensee and be nontransferable.
History:
1967 c 695 s 4; 1980 c 467 s 39; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.35 — Board Of Animal Health Rules.

347.35 BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH RULES.
The Board of Animal Health shall promulgate rules as it deems necessary for the operation of kennels and dealers and the enforcement of sections 347.31 to 347.40 which shall be in addition to rules established herein. The rules adopted by the board must provide for the cost recovery for the activities of the board with respect to licensing, inspection, and enforcement of civil penalties and must provide for cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service program and for reference of complaints to local enforcement authorities. Rules must include, but are not limited to, requirements governing the care of dogs and cats, minimum conditions, and maintenance of quarters and kennels, the humane treatment of dogs and cats while in the kennels, maintenance of detailed records showing the person from whom any dog or cat aged over three months has been received, and in the case of a dealer, including address, driver's license number or Social Security number, and to whom it has been transferred, and preservation of the records for a minimum period of two years. The dealer is responsible for making a reasonable attempt to ensure the accuracy of the data collected.
A payment from a dealer to a person from whom the dealer buys dogs or cats must be by check, payable only to that person. The check must contain the dealer's name and address.
History:
1967 c 695 s 5; 1980 c 467 s 40; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.37 — Public Access; Notice; Inspection; Enforcement.

347.37 PUBLIC ACCESS; NOTICE; INSPECTION; ENFORCEMENT.
The Board of Animal Health shall cause to be inspected from time to time all kennels and dealers licensed hereunder and all records required by sections 347.31 to 347.40 to be kept by the licensees.
Any duly authorized agent of the board, any sheriff, or sheriff's deputy, or police officer, or humane agent appointed pursuant to section 343.01 is granted the power and the authority to enter upon the premises of any kennel or dealer at any time during the daylight hours for the purposes herein set forth, and for the purposes of inspecting the compliance with the provisions of sections 346.55, 347.31 to 347.40 and the rules issued pursuant thereto, and for the purposes of enforcing sections 346.55, or 347.31 to 347.40; except that humane agents shall not enter upon the premises of a licensed veterinarian acting as a kennel.
Each dealer shall post a conspicuous notice in a format no less than 24 by 36 inches and easily readable by the general public, that states: (1) that the person is a licensed dealer in dogs and cats; (2) that dogs and cats left with the dealer may be used for research purposes; and (3) the hours the dealer is open to the public. The notice must be placed in at least two locations on the premises, one of which must be on or near the exterior mail delivery point and one of which must be at the regularly used point of exchange of dogs and cats. A person may view dogs and cats in the custody of a dealer during the time the premises is open to the public. Dealers are required to be open to the public on a regular basis at least four hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on at least four of the seven days of each week including at least one Saturday or Sunday. Any advertisement placed by a dealer seeking dogs or cats must inform the public that dogs and cats brought to the dealer may be used for research purposes.
History:
1967 c 695 s 7; 1980 c 467 s 41; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 7; 1987 c 394 s 11; 1988 c 537 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.38 — Revocation Of License.

347.38 REVOCATION OF LICENSE.
The Board of Animal Health may as hereinafter set forth revoke or suspend the license of any person, firm, or corporation, for violation of sections 346.55 and 347.31 to 347.40 or the rules issued pursuant to sections 347.31 to 347.40.
Upon written complaint made to the board by any person, firm, or corporation alleging any violation of sections 347.31 to 347.40 or any rules pursuant thereto by any licensee, the board may cause an investigation to be made upon matters related in said complaint.
Thereupon the board shall in its discretion either dismiss the complaint or require the kennel or dealer against whom the complaint is made to correct the conditions or violations complained of within ten days after receipt of written notice of the same. If upon termination of the ten-day period the licensee has failed to correct or to remedy the violation or violations of sections 346.55 or 347.31 to 347.40 or any rules pursuant thereto, or if the board considers it appropriate under the circumstances the board shall, upon a minimum of 30 days' notice to the licensee, conduct a hearing for the purpose of determining whether the license to operate a kennel or as a dealer should be revoked or temporarily suspended. If after notice and hearing the board finds that any provision of sections 346.55 or 347.31 to 347.40 has been violated by the licensee or any rule issued by the board has been violated by the licensee, the board may revoke and suspend the license. The possession or transfer of a dog or cat by a dealer to an institution, without the permission of the owner, failure of a dealer or kennel to keep accurate data as required in section 347.35, or failure of a dealer or kennel to permit access to its premises as required in section 347.37, is grounds for license revocation. The licensee whose license is revoked or suspended may within 20 days after the board's decision appeal to the district court. The district court shall upon 20 days' notice to the board hear the appeal within 45 days after the filing of the appeal. On the hearing of the appeal the court shall review the decision of the board in a manner as though reviewed by certiorari, except that new or additional evidence may be taken, if in the opinion of the court additional evidence is necessary or proper to the disposition of the case.
History:
1967 c 695 s 8; 1980 c 467 s 42; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 8
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.39 — Penalties.

347.39 PENALTIES.
Violation of any provision of sections 347.31 to 347.40 or of any rule of the Board of Animal Health issued pursuant to sections 347.31 to 347.40, or operation of a kennel or as a dealer without a license, or operation of a kennel or as a dealer after revocation of a license or during a period of suspension, shall constitute a misdemeanor.
History:
1967 c 695 s 9; 1980 c 467 s 43; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 9
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.40 — Exceptions.

347.40 EXCEPTIONS.
Sections 347.31 to 347.40 shall in no way apply to any veterinarian licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota who keeps, congregates, or confines dogs or cats in the normal pursuit of the practice of veterinary medicine.
History:
1967 c 695 s 11; 1969 c 363 s 2; 1987 c 380 art 3 s 10
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.50 — Definitions.

347.50 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Terms.
For the purpose of sections 347.50 to 347.56, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.
Dangerous dog.
"Dangerous dog" means any dog that has:
(1) without provocation, inflicted substantial bodily harm on a human being on public or private property;
(2) killed a domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property; or
(3) been found to be potentially dangerous, and after the owner has notice that the dog is potentially dangerous, the dog aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans or domestic animals.
Subd. 3.
Potentially dangerous dog.
"Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog that:
(1) when unprovoked, inflicts bites on a human or domestic animal on public or private property;
(2) when unprovoked, chases or approaches a person, including a person on a bicycle, upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property, other than the dog owner's property, in an apparent attitude of attack; or
(3) has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, causing injury or otherwise threatening the safety of humans or domestic animals.
Subd. 4.
Proper enclosure.
"Proper enclosure" means securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure suitable to prevent the animal from escaping and providing protection from the elements for the dog. A proper enclosure does not include a porch, patio, or any part of a house, garage, or other structure that would allow the dog to exit of its own volition, or any house or structure in which windows are open or in which door or window screens are the only obstacles that prevent the dog from exiting.
Subd. 5.
Owner.
"Owner" means any person, firm, corporation, organization, or department possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having care, custody, or control of a dog.
Subd. 6.
Substantial bodily harm.
"Substantial bodily harm" has the meaning given it under section 609.02, subdivision 7a.
Subd. 6a.
Great bodily harm.
"Great bodily harm" has the meaning given it under section 609.02, subdivision 8.
Subd. 7.
Animal control authority.
"Animal control authority" means an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other governmental subdivision of the state which is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.
Subd. 8.
Provocation.
"Provocation" means an act that an adult could reasonably expect may cause a dog to attack or bite.
History:
1988 c 711 s 1; 1989 c 37 s 3-5; 1994 c 550 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 14,15; 2008 c 325 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.515 — Microchip Identification.

347.515 MICROCHIP IDENTIFICATION.
The owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog must have a microchip implanted in the dog for identification, and the name of the microchip manufacturer and identification number of the microchip must be provided to the animal control authority. If the microchip is not implanted by the owner, it may be implanted by the animal control authority. In either case, all costs related to purchase and implantation of the microchip must be borne by the dog's owner.
History:
1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 19
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.52 — Dangerous Dogs; Requirements.

347.52 DANGEROUS DOGS; REQUIREMENTS.
(a) An owner of a dangerous dog shall keep the dog, while on the owner's property, in a proper enclosure. If the dog is outside the proper enclosure, the dog must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will prevent the dog from biting any person or animal but that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration.
(b) An owner of a dangerous dog must renew the registration of the dog annually until the dog is deceased. If the dog is removed from the jurisdiction, it must be registered as a dangerous dog in its new jurisdiction.
(c) An owner of a dangerous dog must notify the animal control authority in writing of the death of the dog or its transfer to a new location where the dog will reside within 30 days of the death or transfer, and must, if requested by the animal control authority, execute an affidavit under oath setting forth either the circumstances of the dog's death and disposition or the complete name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom the dog has been transferred or the address where the dog has been relocated.
(d) An animal control authority shall require a dangerous dog to be sterilized at the owner's expense. If the owner does not have the animal sterilized within 30 days, the animal control authority shall seize the dog and have it sterilized at the owner's expense.
(e) A person who owns a dangerous dog and who rents property from another where the dog will reside must disclose to the property owner prior to entering the lease agreement and at the time of any lease renewal that the person owns a dangerous dog that will reside at the property.
(f) A person who transfers ownership of a dangerous dog must notify the new owner that the animal control authority has identified the dog as dangerous. The current owner must also notify the animal control authority in writing of the transfer of ownership and provide the animal control authority with the new owner's name, address, and telephone number.
History:
1988 c 711 s 3; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 20; 2008 c 325 s 8
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.53 — Potentially Dangerous And Dangerous Dogs.

347.53 POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND DANGEROUS DOGS.
Any statutory or home rule charter city, or any county, may regulate potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs. Except as provided in section 347.51, subdivision 8, nothing in sections 347.50 to 347.565 limits any restrictions that the local jurisdictions may place on owners of potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs.
History:
1988 c 711 s 4; 1989 c 37 s 11; 2008 c 325 s 9
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.54 — Confiscation.

347.54 CONFISCATION.
Subdivision 1.
Seizure.
(a) The animal control authority having jurisdiction shall immediately seize any dangerous dog if:
(1) after 14 days after the owner has notice that the dog is dangerous, the dog is not validly registered under section 347.51;
(2) after 14 days after the owner has notice that the dog is dangerous, the owner does not secure the proper liability insurance or surety coverage as required under section 347.51, subdivision 2;
(3) the dog is not maintained in the proper enclosure;
(4) the dog is outside the proper enclosure and not under physical restraint of a responsible person as required under section 347.52; or
(5) the dog is not sterilized within 30 days, pursuant to section 347.52, paragraph (d).
(b) If an owner of a dog is convicted of a crime for which the dog was originally seized, the court may order that the dog be confiscated and destroyed in a proper and humane manner, and that the owner pay the costs incurred in confiscating, confining, and destroying the dog.
Subd. 2.
Reclaimed.
A dangerous dog seized under subdivision 1 may be reclaimed by the owner of the dog upon payment of impounding and boarding fees, and presenting proof to the appropriate animal control authority that the requirements of sections 347.51 and 347.52 will be met. A dog not reclaimed under this subdivision within seven days may be disposed of in a manner permitted by law, and the owner is liable to the animal control authority for costs incurred in confining and disposing of the dog.
Subd. 3.
Subsequent offenses; seizure.
If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor for violating a provision of section 347.51, 347.515, or 347.52, and the person is charged with a subsequent violation relating to the same dog, the dog must be seized by the animal control authority having jurisdiction. If the owner is convicted of the crime for which the dog was seized, the court shall order that the dog be destroyed in a proper and humane manner and the owner pay the cost of confining and destroying the animal. If the owner is not convicted and the dog is not reclaimed by the owner within seven days after the owner has been notified that the dog may be reclaimed, the dog may be disposed of in a manner permitted by law.
History:
1988 c 711 s 5; 1989 c 37 s 12; 2008 c 325 s 10,11; 2012 c 244 art 1 s 74,75
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.541 — Disposition Of Seized Animals.

347.541 DISPOSITION OF SEIZED ANIMALS.
Subdivision 1.
Hearing.
The owner of any dog declared dangerous has the right to a hearing by an impartial hearing officer.
Subd. 2.
Security.
A person claiming an interest in a seized dog may prevent disposition of the dog by posting security in an amount sufficient to provide for the dog's actual cost of care and keeping. The security must be posted within seven days of the seizure inclusive of the date of the seizure.
Subd. 3.
Notice.
The authority declaring the dog dangerous shall give notice of this section by delivering or mailing it to the owner of the dog, or by posting a copy of it at the place where the dog is kept, or by delivering it to a person residing on the property, and telephoning, if possible. The notice must include:
(1) a description of the seized dog; the authority for and purpose of the dangerous dog declaration and seizure; the time, place, and circumstances under which the dog was declared dangerous; and the telephone number and contact person where the dog is kept;
(2) a statement that the owner of the dog may request a hearing concerning the dangerous dog declaration and, if applicable, prior potentially dangerous dog declarations for the dog, and that failure to do so within 14 days of the date of the notice will terminate the owner's right to a hearing under this section;
(3) a statement that if an appeal request is made within 14 days of the notice, the owner must immediately comply with the requirements of section 347.52, paragraphs (a) and (c), and until such time as the hearing officer issues an opinion;
(4) a statement that if the hearing officer affirms the dangerous dog declaration, the owner will have 14 days from receipt of that decision to comply with all other requirements of sections 347.51, 347.515, and 347.52;
(5) a form to request a hearing under this subdivision; and
(6) a statement that all actual costs of the care, keeping, and disposition of the dog are the responsibility of the person claiming an interest in the dog, except to the extent that a court or hearing officer finds that the seizure or impoundment was not substantially justified by law.
Subd. 4.
Right to hearing.
Any hearing must be held within 14 days of the request to determine the validity of the dangerous dog declaration. The hearing officer must be an impartial employee of the local government or an impartial person retained by the local government to conduct the hearing. In the event that the dangerous dog declaration is upheld by the hearing officer, actual expenses of the hearing up to a maximum of $1,000 will be the responsibility of the dog's owner. The hearing officer shall issue a decision on the matter within ten days after the hearing. The decision must be delivered to the dog's owner by hand delivery or registered mail as soon as practical and a copy must be provided to the animal control authority.
History:
2008 c 325 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.542 — Restrictions.

347.542 RESTRICTIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Dog ownership prohibited.
Except as provided in subdivision 3, no person may own a dog if the person has:
(1) been convicted of a third or subsequent violation of section 347.51, 347.515, or 347.52;
(2) been convicted of a violation under section 609.205, clause (4);
(3) been convicted of a gross misdemeanor under section 609.226, subdivision 1;
(4) been convicted of a violation under section 609.226, subdivision 2; or
(5) had a dog ordered destroyed under section 347.56 and been convicted of one or more violations of section 347.51, 347.515, 347.52, or 609.226, subdivision 2.
Subd. 2.
Household members.
If any member of a household is prohibited from owning a dog in subdivision 1, unless specifically approved with or without restrictions by an animal control authority, no person in the household is permitted to own a dog.
Subd. 3.
Dog ownership prohibition review.
Beginning three years after a conviction under subdivision 1 that prohibits a person from owning a dog, and annually thereafter, the person may request that the animal control authority review the prohibition. The animal control authority may consider such facts as the seriousness of the violation or violations that led to the prohibition, any criminal convictions, or other facts that the animal control authority deems appropriate. The animal control authority may rescind the prohibition entirely or rescind it with limitations. The animal control authority also may establish conditions a person must meet before the prohibition is rescinded, including, but not limited to, successfully completing dog training or dog handling courses. If the animal control authority rescinds a person's prohibition and the person subsequently fails to comply with any limitations imposed by the animal control authority or the person is convicted of any animal violation involving unprovoked bites or dog attacks, the animal control authority may permanently prohibit the person from owning a dog in this state.
History:
2008 c 325 s 13; 2009 c 86 art 1 s 62
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.55 — Penalty.

347.55 PENALTY.
(a) A person who violates a provision of section 347.51, 347.515, or 347.52 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) It is a misdemeanor to remove a microchip from a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog, to fail to renew the registration of a dangerous dog, to fail to account for a dangerous dog's death or change of location where the dog will reside, to sign a false affidavit with respect to a dangerous dog's death or change of location where the dog will reside, or to fail to disclose ownership of a dangerous dog to a property owner from whom the person rents property.
(c) A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of paragraph (a) or (b) is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(d) An owner who violates section 347.542, subdivision 1, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(e) Any household member who knowingly violates section 347.542, subdivision 2, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History:
1988 c 711 s 7; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 21; 2008 c 325 s 14
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.56 — Destruction Of Dog In Certain Circumstances.

347.56 DESTRUCTION OF DOG IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Subdivision 1.
Circumstances.
Notwithstanding sections 347.51 to 347.55, a dog may be destroyed in a proper and humane manner by the animal control authority if the dog:
(1) inflicted substantial or great bodily harm on a human on public or private property without provocation;
(2) inflicted multiple bites on a human on public or private property without provocation;
(3) bit multiple human victims on public or private property in the same attack without provocation; or
(4) bit a human on public or private property without provocation in an attack where more than one dog participated in the attack.
Subd. 2.
Hearing.
The animal control authority may not destroy the dog until the dog owner has had the opportunity for a hearing before an impartial decision maker. The definitions in section 347.50 and the exemptions under section 347.51, subdivision 5, apply to this section.
History:
1Sp2001 c 8 art 8 s 22; 2008 c 325 s 15
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.565 — Applicability.

347.565 APPLICABILITY.
Sections 347.50 to 347.56 must be enforced by animal control authorities or law enforcement agencies, whether or not these sections have been adopted into local ordinance.
History:
2008 c 325 s 16
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.57 — Definitions.

347.57 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Terms.
The definitions in this section apply to sections 347.57 to 347.64.
Subd. 2.
Animal.
"Animal" means a dog or a cat.
Subd. 3.
Board.
"Board" means the Board of Animal Health.
Subd. 4.
Cat.
"Cat" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Felis domesticus. An adult cat is a cat 28 weeks of age or older. A kitten is a cat under 28 weeks of age.
Subd. 5.
Commercial breeder.
"Commercial breeder" means 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.
Subd. 6.
Confinement area.
"Confinement area" means a structure used or designed for use to restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, cage, kennel, compartment, crate, or hutch.
Subd. 7.
Dog.
"Dog" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Canis familiaris. An adult dog is a dog 28 weeks of age or older. A puppy is a dog under 28 weeks of age.
Subd. 8.
Facility.
"Facility" means the place used by a commercial breeder for breeding animals, and includes all buildings, property, confinement areas, and vehicles.
Subd. 9.
Local animal control authority.
"Local animal control authority" means an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state that is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.
Subd. 10.
Person.
"Person" means a natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, however organized.
Subd. 11.
Possess.
"Possess" means to have custody of or have control over.
Subd. 12.
Veterinarian.
"Veterinarian" means a veterinarian in good standing and licensed in the state of Minnesota.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 32
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.59 — Standards Of Care.

347.59 STANDARDS OF CARE.
(a) A commercial breeder must comply with chapters 343 and 346.
(b) A commercial breeder must ensure that animals that are part of the commercial breeder's breeding business operations are cared for as follows:
(1) cats must not be housed in outdoor confinement areas;
(2) animals exercised in groups must be compatible and show no signs of contagious or infectious disease;
(3) females in estrus must not be housed in the same confinement area with unneutered males, except for breeding purposes;
(4) animals must be provided daily enrichment and must be provided positive physical contact with human beings and compatible animals at least twice daily unless a veterinarian determines such activities would adversely affect the health or well-being of the animal;
(5) animals must not be sold, traded, or given away before the age of eight weeks unless a veterinarian determines it would be in the best interests of the health or well-being of the animal;
(6) the commercial breeder must provide identification and tracking for each animal, which is not transferable to another animal; and
(7) the commercial breeder must provide adequate staff to maintain the facility and observe each animal daily to monitor each animal's health and well-being, and to properly care for the animals.
(c) A commercial breeder must not knowingly hire staff or independent contractors who have been convicted of cruelty to animals under the law of any jurisdiction.
(d) A commercial breeder must comply with any additional standards the board considers necessary to protect the public health and welfare of animals covered under sections 347.57 to 347.61. The standards must be established by rule.
(e) A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed breeder or dealer who is in compliance with the minimum USDA regulations governing the license holder as they relate to animal confinement areas as of July 1, 2014, does not have to comply with the minimum confinement area measurements under section 346.39, subdivision 4, for existing confinement areas in each facility the breeder or dealer owns. If a USDA-licensed breeder or dealer builds a new confinement area after July 1, 2014, those minimum standards must meet or exceed the minimum specifications as they relate to confinement area size under section 346.39, subdivision 4.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 34
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.60 — Investigations.

347.60 INVESTIGATIONS.
(a) The board must initiate an investigation upon receiving a formal complaint alleging violations of section 347.58 or 347.59.
(b) When a local animal control authority, a peace officer, or a humane agent appointed under section 343.01 is made aware of an alleged violation under this chapter or chapter 343 or 346, committed by a commercial breeder, the local animal control authority, peace officer, or humane agent appointed under section 343.01 must report the alleged violation in a timely manner to the board.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 35
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.615 — Biosecurity; Entry Into Facilities.

347.615 BIOSECURITY; ENTRY INTO FACILITIES.
No law enforcement officer, agent of the board, or other official may enter a commercial breeder facility unless the person follows either the biosecurity procedure issued by the board or a reasonable biosecurity procedure maintained and prominently posted by the commercial breeder at each entry to a facility, whichever is more stringent. This section does not apply in emergency or exigent circumstances.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 37
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.62 — Penalties.

347.62 PENALTIES.
(a) A violation of section 347.58 or 347.59 that results in cruelty or torture to an animal, as those terms are defined in section 343.20, subdivision 3, is subject to the penalties in section 343.21, subdivisions 9 and 10, relating to pet or companion animals.
(b) It is a misdemeanor to falsify information in a license application, annual report, or record.
(c) It is a misdemeanor for an unlicensed commercial breeder to advertise animals for sale.
(d) It is a misdemeanor for a commercial breeder to operate without a license.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 38
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.63 — Dog And Cat Breeders Licensing Account; Appropriation.

347.63 DOG AND CAT BREEDERS LICENSING ACCOUNT; APPROPRIATION.
A dog and cat breeders licensing account is created in the special revenue fund. All fees and penalties collected by the board under sections 347.58 to 347.62 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the dog and cat breeders licensing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account, including interest on the account, is annually appropriated to the board to administer those sections.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 39
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.64 — Applicability.

347.64 APPLICABILITY.
Sections 347.57 to 347.63 do not apply to:
(1) any species other than dogs and cats as they are defined in section 347.57; and
(2) veterinary clinics or veterinary hospitals.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 40
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 343 - 348 — Animals And Property › Chapter 347 — Dogs And Cats › Section 347.65 — Recognition; Commercial Breeder Excellence.

347.65 RECOGNITION; COMMERCIAL BREEDER EXCELLENCE.
The Board of Animal Health, in consultation with representatives of the licensed commercial breeder industry, must develop a program to recognize persons who demonstrate commercial breeder excellence and exceed the standards and practices required of commercial breeders under sections 347.57 to 347.64.
History:
2014 c 312 art 13 s 45