Minnesota animal cruelty laws

Federal law

The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that governs the transportation, sale and handling of certain animals. More specifically, it ensures that animals are provided with humane care and treatment during transportation, purchase, sale, housing, care, and handling by persons or organizations using them for research or exhibition purposes or as pets. That includes dealers who sell animals to laboratories, animal exhibitors, carriers, and intermediate handlers, dog and cat breeders, puppy mills, zoos, circuses, roadside menageries, and transporters of animals. It excludes retail pet stores, state and county fairs, livestock shows, rodeos, purebred dog and cat shows, and fairs or exhibitions intended to advance agricultural arts and sciences.

The organization charged with enforcing the AWA is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

A person or organization found in violation of the AWA may face fines and/or imprisonment.

Minnesota state law

The following links will provide you with information on animal welfare related laws, statutes and codes. After review, if your question remains unanswered, please contact Humane Investigations at (763) 489-2236 or online.

Laws
Cruelty to Animals – Chapter 343
Pet and Companion Welfare Act – Chapter 346
Minnesota Exotic Animals – Chapter 346.155

Statutes
Regulation of Dangerous Dogs – Chapter 347.50
Sale of Dogs and Cats – Chapter 325F

Criminal code
Harm Caused by Dog – Code 609.226
Dangerous Animals Destroyed – Code 609.227
Killing or Harming a Public Safety Dog – Code 609.596
Unauthorized Release of Animals – Code 609.552

Local ordinances

If you have questions about city ordinances pertaining to animals, for example, the number allowed per household, leash laws, etc., please contact your local animal control office.