Cruelty to animals is illegal in Minnesota, as it is across the country. The state’s animal protection laws cover a range of animals (from livestock to service dogs) and behaviors (from euthanasia methods to greased pig contests). Below, we’ve summarized the most important laws that pet owners and animal lovers should know about.
Animal Cruelty or Abandonment
It’s a crime in Minnesota to abuse an animal in various ways, including:
- torturing, overworking, or beating an animal cruelly
- injuring, mutilating, or killing an animal without justification
- abandoning an animal (which includes leaving an injured or disabled animal in a public place for more than three hours), or
- depriving an animal under your care of necessary food, water, or shelter.
Animal cruelty is generally treated as a misdemeanor, but it can rise to a felony if:
- the abuse led to the animal’s death or great bodily harm
- the abuse led to serious injury to a service animal, or
- the abuser seriously injured a pet in order to intimidate or threaten another person.
A person convicted of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor faces up to a year in jail and $3,000 in fines. Felony penalties range from two to four years' prison time and fines up to $10,000.
(Minn. Stat. § 343.21.)
Proper Pet Care
Minnesota has a set of laws, known as the “Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act,” that require pet owners to take proper care of their animals. The laws set out standards for care that are specific to dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and pet horses. In general, owners must provide their pets with:
- enough food to meet the animals’ nutritional needs
- enough clean water, and
- appropriate exercise.
If the pet is caged or confined, the owner must meet standards for the amount of room, ventilation, temperature control, sanitation, shade, and light. The laws also include requirements for safely transporting pets. Anyone who violates these requirements may be found guilty of a misdemeanor. (Minn. Stat. §§ 346.35-346.44.)
Leaving Pets in Cars
Dog and cat owners could be fined $25 if they may leave their pets in cars in a way that endangers the animal’s health or safety. If the pet dies, however, the owner could face felony charges for animal cruelty. Police officers, humane agents, dog wardens, firefighters, or rescue personnel may use reasonable force to break into locked vehicles in order to get an endangered dog or cat to safety. (Minn. Stat. §§ 343.21, 346.57.)
Organized Dogfighting or Cockfighting
It’s a 5-year felony in Minnesota to participate in organized cockfighting or dogfighting, from owning or training the animals to promoting the fights. Anyone who buys a ticket or otherwise goes to a fight can be charged with a misdemeanor. (Minn. Stat. § 343.31.)
Speaking With a Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of animal cruelty—or you’re worried about possible charges—it’s a good idea to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney experienced in this area should be able to explain:
- details on relevant state laws
- how local authorities tend to interpret those laws
- ordinances in your local community that may apply to your situation
- how you might recover your pet if authorities have already taken it, and
- any defense you might have to criminal charges.