1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to animals; allowing veterinarians to dock 
  1.3             horses; changing dog house specifications; amending 
  1.4             Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 343.25; and 343.40, 
  1.5             subdivision 2. 
  1.6   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.7      Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 343.25, is 
  1.8   amended to read: 
  1.9      343.25 [DOCKING HORSES; PENALTY.] 
  1.10     Except when performed by a licensed veterinarian, a person 
  1.11  who cuts the bony part of a horse's tail for the purpose of 
  1.12  docking it, or who causes or knowingly permits the same to be 
  1.13  done upon premises of which the person is owner, lessee, or 
  1.14  user, or who assists in the cutting is guilty of a misdemeanor.  
  1.15  When a horse is found so cut, upon the premises or in the 
  1.16  custody of any person, and the wound resulting is unhealed, that 
  1.17  fact shall constitute prima facie evidence that the offense was 
  1.18  committed by the person.  All fines resulting from complaint 
  1.19  made by an officer or agent of any society of this state for the 
  1.20  prevention of cruelty to animals for any offense specified in 
  1.21  this section shall be paid to the society whose officer or agent 
  1.22  made the complaint. 
  1.23     Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 343.40, 
  1.24  subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
  1.25     Subd. 2.  [BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS.] The shelter shall 
  2.1   include a moistureproof and windproof structure of suitable size 
  2.2   to accommodate the dog and allow retention of body heat.  It 
  2.3   shall be made of durable material with a solid floor that is 
  2.4   insulated or raised at least two inches from the ground and 
  2.5   with.  When appropriate for the season of the year and the breed 
  2.6   of dog using the structure, the structure must have a windbreak 
  2.7   at the entrance covered by a flexible windproof material or a 
  2.8   self-closing swinging door.  The structure shall be provided 
  2.9   with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material 
  2.10  consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings, blankets, or the 
  2.11  equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold 
  2.12  and dampness and promote retention of body heat.