HF 1725

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/08/2013 02:49pm

A bill for an act
relating to dangerous dogs; requiring certain notifications when transferring
ownership of a dangerous dog; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section
347.52.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 347.52, is amended to read:

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 new text begin in
writing and prior to the time that ownership of the dog is transferred new text end that the animal control
authority has identified the dog as dangerous. new text begin The written notification required under this
paragraph must include the date the notice was provided to the new owner. new text end 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. new text begin Upon being notified of the transfer, the local animal control authority
must send the new owner a notice that includes the dangerous dog ownership requirements
set forth in this section and the registration requirements set forth in section 347.51.
new text end