HF 2955

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/12/2014 11:26am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; authorizing authorities to remove animals found in
activity of animal fighting; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 343.31,
subdivision 4.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 343.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Peace officer duties.

Animals described in subdivisions 2 and 3 are
dangerous weapons and constitute an immediate danger to the safety of humans. A peace
officer or animal control authority may remove, shelter, and care for an animal found in
the circumstances described in subdivision new text begin 1, new text end 2 new text begin , new text end or 3. If necessary, a peace officer or
animal control authority may deliver the animal to another person to be sheltered and
cared for. In all cases, the peace officer or animal control authority must immediately
notify the owner, if known, as provided in subdivision 5. The peace officer, animal control
authority, or other person assuming care of the animal shall have a lien on it for the actual
cost of care and keeping of the animal. If the owner or custodian is unknown and cannot
by reasonable effort be ascertained, or does not, within ten days after notice, redeem the
animal by paying the expenses authorized by this subdivision, the animal may be disposed
of as provided in subdivision 5.