1st Engrossment - 80th Legislature (1997 - 1998) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am
1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to animals; allowing veterinarians to dock 1.3 horses; repealing requirements for the care of equine 1.4 animals; repealing restrictions on clipped animals; 1.5 changing dog house specifications; amending Minnesota 1.6 Statutes 1996, sections 343.25; and 343.40, 1.7 subdivision 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 1996, 1.8 sections 343.26; and 346.38, subdivision 4. 1.9 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.10 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 343.25, is 1.11 amended to read: 1.12 343.25 [DOCKING HORSES; PENALTY.] 1.13A person who cuts the bony part of a horse's tail for the1.14purpose of docking it, or who causes or knowingly permits the1.15same to be done upon premises of which the person is owner,1.16lessee, or user, or who assists in the cutting is guilty of a1.17misdemeanor. When a horse is found so cut, upon the premises or1.18in the custody of any person, and the wound resulting is1.19unhealed, that fact shall constitute prima facie evidence that1.20the offense was committed by the person. All fines resulting1.21from complaint made by an officer or agent of any society of1.22this state for the prevention of cruelty to animals for any1.23offense specified in this section shall be paid to the society1.24whose officer or agent made the complaint.A horse's tail must 1.25 not be docked unless the procedure is performed by a licensed 1.26 veterinarian. 1.27 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 343.40, 2.1 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 2.2 Subd. 2. [BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS.] The shelter shall 2.3 include a moistureproof and windproof structure of suitable size 2.4 to accommodate the dog and allow retention of body heat. It 2.5 shall be made of durable material with a solid floor that is 2.6 insulated or raised at least two inches from the groundand with2.7the entrance covered by a flexible windproof material or a2.8self-closing swinging door. When appropriate for the season of 2.9 the year and the breed of dog using the structure, the structure 2.10 must have a windbreak at the entrance. The structure shall be 2.11 provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material 2.12 consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings, blankets, or the 2.13 equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold 2.14 and dampness and promote retention of body heat. 2.15 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 346.38, 2.16 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 2.17 Subd. 5. [SPACE AND CLEANLINESS REQUIREMENTS.]Constructed2.18shelters except for tie stalls must provide space for the animal2.19to roll with a minimum danger of being cast.Stalls must be 2.20 cleaned and kept dry to the extent the animal is not required to 2.21 lie or stand in fluids. Bedding must be provided in all stalls, 2.22 kept reasonably clean, and periodically changed. The nature of 2.23 the bedding must not pose a health hazard to the animal. 2.24 Sec. 4. [REPEALER.] 2.25 Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 343.26 and 346.38, 2.26 subdivision 4, are repealed.