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SF 7

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 02:10am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to animals; providing standards of care for dog and cat breeders;
authorizing rulemaking; providing criminal penalties; appropriating money;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 347.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [347.57] DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Terms. new text end

new text begin The definitions in this section apply to sections 347.57
to 347.64.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Animal. new text end

new text begin "Animal" means a dog or a cat.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Board. new text end

new text begin "Board" means the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Breeder. new text end

new text begin "Breeder" means a person, other than a hobby breeder, who
possesses animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for direct or indirect
sale or for exchange in return for consideration, and who possesses six or more adult intact
female animals for the purpose of breeding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Broker. new text end

new text begin "Broker" means a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or
association that purchases animals for resale to other brokers or pet dealers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Cat. new text end

new text begin "Cat" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Felis
domesticus. An adult cat is a cat 24 weeks of age or older. A kitten is a cat under 24
weeks of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Confinement area. new text end

new text begin "Confinement area" means a structure used or
designed for use to restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen,
cage, kennel, compartment, crate, or hutch.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Dog. new text end

new text begin "Dog" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Canis
familiaris. An adult dog is a dog 24 weeks of age or older. A puppy is a dog under 24
weeks of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Facility. new text end

new text begin "Facility" means the place used by a breeder for breeding animals,
and includes all buildings, property, confinement areas, and vehicles.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Hobby breeder. new text end

new text begin "Hobby breeder" means a person who possesses animals
and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for direct sale or for exchange in
return for consideration, and who possesses fewer than six adult intact female animals for
the purpose of breeding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Local animal control authority. new text end

new text begin "Local animal control authority" means
an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state that
is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Person. new text end

new text begin "Person" means a natural person, firm, partnership, corporation,
or association, however organized.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Pet dealer. new text end

new text begin "Pet dealer" means a person, including a breeder, that is
required to collect sales tax for the sale of animals to the public. "Pet dealer" does not
include a humane society, nonprofit organization performing the functions of a humane
society, or local animal control authority.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Possess. new text end

new text begin "Possess" means to have custody of or have control over.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Veterinarian. new text end

new text begin "Veterinarian" means a veterinarian in good standing and
licensed in the state of Minnesota.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [347.58] LICENSING AND INSPECTIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Licensing. new text end

new text begin (a) The board may grant an operating license to a breeder
and shall enforce sections 347.58 to 347.63. The board may delegate that authority to a
county or a city pursuant to a written agreement between the board and an authorized
official of the county or city. A delegated county or city shall provide a copy to the board
of any license issued to a breeder and shall retain a copy of each license issued by the
delegated county or city.
new text end

new text begin (b) Beginning July 1, 2010, a breeder must obtain an annual license for each facility
it owns or operates. More than one building on the same premises is considered one
facility. The board shall establish by rule the initial license fee and the annual license fee
for each facility where a breeder possesses adult breeding animals.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board or its agent shall inspect a breeder's facility before an initial license is
issued. An initial prelicense inspection must be performed no more than 30 days before
filing a license application. The application must include an inspection certificate signed
by the inspector in a format approved by the board.
new text end

new text begin (d) The license application must indicate if a breeder operates under more than one
name from a single location or has an ownership interest in any other facility. License
holders must keep separate records for each business name.
new text end

new text begin (e) The application must include a notarized statement that includes the following
information:
new text end

new text begin (1) whether any license held by an applicant under this section or under any other
federal, state, county, or local law, ordinance, or other regulation relating to dealing in or
handling cats or dogs was ever suspended, revoked, or denied;
new text end

new text begin (2) whether the applicant was ever convicted of animal cruelty; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the number of adult animals that will be kept, housed, and maintained by the
applicant at the location that is the subject of the application and the estimated number of
puppies and kittens to be kept, housed, and maintained during the term of the license.
new text end

new text begin (f) An application from a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company must
include the name and address of all partners, directors, officers, or members and must
include a notation of any partners, directors, officers, members, or others authorized to
represent the partnership, corporation, or limited liability company.
new text end

new text begin (g) A nonresident applicant must consent to adjudication of any violation under the
laws of the state of Minnesota and in Minnesota courts.
new text end

new text begin (h) A license issued under this section is not transferable.
new text end

new text begin (i) A license holder must apply for license renewal annually by submitting a renewal
application on a form approved by the board. The license renewal application must be
postmarked by July 1 of each year. A late renewal is subject to a 50 percent penalty fee. If
a license is not renewed by August 1, the license holder must reapply for an initial license.
new text end

new text begin (j) A breeder must submit to the board an annual report by August 1 on a form
prepared by the board. The form must include the current number of cats and dogs at the
facility on the date of the report, the number of animals during the preceding year that
were sold, traded, bartered, leased, brokered, given away, euthanized, or deceased from
other causes, and any other information required by the board.
new text end

new text begin (k) If a breeder is required to be licensed by the United States Department of
Agriculture, the initial application must include United States Department of Agriculture
inspection reports and records for the past five years for any facility owned or operated by
that breeder. All license renewal applications must include United States Department of
Agriculture inspection reports and records for the preceding year.
new text end

new text begin (l) A breeder shall prominently display the breeder's license at each facility.
new text end

new text begin (m) A breeder must notify the board by certified mail within ten days of any change
in address, name, management, or substantial control and ownership of the business or
operation.
new text end

new text begin (n) The board shall refuse to issue an initial license when a breeder:
new text end

new text begin (1) fails to meet the applicable federal laws and United States Department of
Agriculture regulations governing the license holder;
new text end

new text begin (2) has violated any provision of chapter 343 or 346;
new text end

new text begin (3) has failed to meet any of the requirements of this section and section 347.59;
new text end

new text begin (4) has failed to meet any of the requirements of a local ordinance governing the
license holder;
new text end

new text begin (5) has been convicted of cruelty to animals under Minnesota law or under the
law of another jurisdiction;
new text end

new text begin (6) has been denied a similar license issued by another authority, either federal or
state, or if the license has been revoked or suspended; or
new text end

new text begin (7) has falsified any material information requested by the board.
new text end

new text begin (o) A person who has been an officer, agent, direct family member, or employee
of a breeder whose license was revoked or suspended and who was responsible for or
participated in the violation that was a basis for the revocation or suspension may not be
licensed while the revocation or suspension is in effect.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Inspections. new text end

new text begin (a) The board or its designated agent shall inspect each
licensed facility at least annually. The inspection must be during normal business hours
and with the breeder or an agent of the breeder present. Notice is not required before an
inspection. The inspector must submit an inspection report to the board within ten days
of each inspection on a form prepared by the board. The inspection report form must
list separately each law, rule, regulation, and ordinance the facility is not in compliance
with and what correction is required for compliance. The inspection report form must
document the animal inventory on the date of the inspection.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board may request a veterinarian not affiliated with the breeder, a peace
officer, a local animal control authority, or a humane agent appointed under section 343.01
to assist in an inspection or investigation.
new text end

new text begin (c) If a license to operate is suspended, revoked, or denied, the board or its
designated agent shall have access to the facility during normal business hours to verify
that it is not operating.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Fees; rules. new text end

new text begin The board shall adopt rules to establish the license fees
required by this section.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [347.59] STANDARDS OF CARE.
new text end

new text begin (a) A breeder must comply with the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) all applicable federal laws and United States Department of Agriculture
regulations governing the license holder;
new text end

new text begin (2) chapters 343 and 346; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the requirements of an applicable local ordinance governing the license holder.
new text end

new text begin (b) A breeder must ensure that animals that are part of the breeder's breeding
business operations are cared for as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) cats must not be housed in outdoor confinement areas;
new text end

new text begin (2) animals exercised in groups must be compatible and free of illness;
new text end

new text begin (3) females in estrus must not be housed with unneutered males, except for breeding
purposes;
new text end

new text begin (4) animals must be provided daily socialization with human beings and compatible
animals;
new text end

new text begin (5) animals must not be sold, traded, or given away before the age of eight weeks;
new text end

new text begin (6) the breeder must provide identification and tracking for each animal, which is not
transferable to another animal;
new text end

new text begin (7) the breeder must provide adequate staff to maintain the facility and properly
care for the animals; and
new text end

new text begin (8) after July 1, 2010, the breeder may not possess more than 50 adult animals at
a facility for the purpose of breeding, except that a breeder possessing more than 50
adult animals for the purpose of breeding on July 1, 2010, may continue to maintain
the inventory of animals but may add or replace animals only if the number of animals
possessed for the purpose of breeding is less than 51 animals.
new text end

new text begin (c) A breeder must not hire staff or independent contractors who have been convicted
of cruelty to animals under the law of any jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin (d) A breeder must comply with any additional standards the board considers
necessary to protect the public health and welfare of animals covered under sections
347.57 to 347.61.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [347.60] INVESTIGATIONS.
new text end

new text begin The board, a local animal control authority, a peace officer, or a humane agent
appointed under section 343.01 may initiate an investigation upon receiving a formal
complaint alleging violations of section 347.58 or 347.59.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [347.61] SEIZURE.
new text end

new text begin An animal may be seized for a violation of section 347.58 or 347.59 that threatens
the health or welfare of the animal. Section 343.235 applies to the disposition of animals
seized under this section.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [347.62] CIVIL ENFORCEMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Correction orders. new text end

new text begin (a) The board may issue a correction order
requiring a breeder to correct a violation of federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations
governing breeding facilities. The correction order must state the deficiencies that
constitute the violation; the specific statute, rule, or regulation violated; and when the
violation must be corrected.
new text end

new text begin (b) A breeder may ask the board to reconsider any portion of the correction order that
the breeder believes is in error. The request for reconsideration must be made in writing
by certified mail within seven days after receipt of the correction order. The request for
reconsideration does not stay the correction order. The board must respond to the request
for reconsideration within 15 days after receiving a request. The board's disposition of a
request for reconsideration is final. The board may extend the time for complying with a
correction order after receiving a request for reconsideration if necessary.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board shall reinspect the facility within 15 days after the time for correcting
the violation has passed to determine whether the violation has been corrected.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Administrative penalty orders. new text end

new text begin After the inspection required under
subdivision 1, paragraph (c), the board may issue an order requiring violations to
be corrected and administratively assessing monetary penalties for violations. The
administrative penalty order must include a citation of the statute, rule, or regulation
violated; a description of the violation; and the amount of the penalty for each violation. A
single correction order may assess a maximum administrative penalty of $5,000.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Injunctive relief. new text end

new text begin In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the
board may bring an action for injunctive relief in the district court in Ramsey County or in
the county in which a violation of the statutes, rules, or regulations governing the breeding
of cats and dogs occurred to enjoin the violation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Cease and desist. new text end

new text begin The board may issue an order to cease a practice if its
continuation would result in an immediate risk to animal welfare or public health. An
order issued under this subdivision is effective for a maximum of 72 hours. The board or
its designated agent must seek an injunction or take other administrative action authorized
by law to restrain a practice beyond 72 hours. The issuance of a cease-and-desist order
does not preclude other enforcement action by the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Refusal to reissue a license; suspension and revocation of a license.
new text end

new text begin (a) The board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) for failure to comply with a correction order;
new text end

new text begin (2) for failure to pay an administrative penalty;
new text end

new text begin (3) for failure to meet the requirements of section 347.58 or 347.59; or
new text end

new text begin (4) for falsifying information requested by the board.
new text end

new text begin A license suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal may be appealed through the Office of
Administrative Hearings. A notice of intent to appeal must be filed in writing with the
board within 20 days after receipt of the notice of suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board shall revoke a license if a breeder or any agent of a breeder has been
convicted of cruelty to animals under Minnesota law or the law of another jurisdiction, or
for the denial, revocation, or suspension of a similar license by another federal or state
authority. A license revocation under this subdivision may be appealed through the Office
of Administrative Hearings. A notice of intent to appeal must be filed in writing with the
board within 20 days after receipt of the notice of revocation.
new text end

new text begin (c) A breeder whose license is revoked may not reapply for licensure for two years
after the date of revocation. The license is permanently revoked if the basis for the
revocation was a gross misdemeanor or felony conviction for animal cruelty.
new text end

new text begin (d) A breeder whose license is suspended or revoked three times is permanently
barred from licensure.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Administrative hearing rights. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), if
the board proposes to refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a license, the board must first
notify the breeder in writing of the proposed action and provide an opportunity to request a
hearing under the contested case provisions of chapter 14. If the breeder does not request
a hearing within 20 days after receipt of the notice of the proposed action, the board may
proceed with the action without a hearing.
new text end

new text begin (b) The contested case provisions of chapter 14 do not apply when the board denies
a license based on an applicant's failure to meet the minimum qualifications for licensure.
new text end

new text begin (c) A breeder may appeal the amount of an administrative penalty order through
the Office of Administrative Hearings pursuant to the procedures set forth in chapter 14.
A breeder wishing to file an appeal must notify the board in writing within 20 days after
receipt of the administrative penalty order.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Other jurisdictions. new text end

new text begin The board may accept as prima facie evidence of
grounds for an enforcement action under this section any enforcement or disciplinary
action from another jurisdiction, if the underlying violation would be grounds for a
violation under the provisions of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Appeals. new text end

new text begin A final order by the board may be appealed to the Minnesota
Court of Appeals.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [347.63] PENALTIES.
new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a violation of section 347.58 or 347.59
is a misdemeanor.
new text end

new text begin (b) A violation of section 347.58 or 347.59 that results in cruelty or torture to an
animal, as those terms are defined in section 343.20, subdivision 3, is subject to the
penalties in section 343.21, subdivisions 9 and 10.
new text end

new text begin (c) It is a misdemeanor for a broker or pet dealer to knowingly purchase or trade a
dog or cat for the purpose of resale or trade to another person from a person required to be
licensed but who does not have a valid license.
new text end

new text begin (d) It is a misdemeanor for a pet dealer who is not the breeder of any animal to
knowingly possess an animal under the age of eight weeks. This restriction does not
apply to humane societies, nonprofit organizations performing the functions of a humane
society, or a local animal control authority.
new text end

new text begin (e) It is a misdemeanor to falsify information in a license application, annual report,
or records.
new text end

new text begin (f) It is a misdemeanor for an unlicensed breeder to advertise animals for sale.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [347.64] DOG AND CAT BREEDERS LICENSING ACCOUNT;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin A dog and cat breeders licensing account is created in the special revenue fund.
All fees and penalties collected by the board under sections 347.58 to 347.63 must be
deposited in the state treasury and credited to the dog and cat breeders licensing account
in the special revenue fund. Money in the account, including interest on the account, is
annually appropriated to the board to administer those sections.
new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin REGISTRATION.
new text end

new text begin Beginning July 1, 2009, until June 30, 2010, a breeder shall register each facility
it owns or operates by paying a registration fee of $....... per facility to the board. Fees
collected under this section must be disposed of under Minnesota Statutes, section 347.64.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 7 are effective July 1, 2010. Sections 8 and 9 are effective the day
following final enactment.
new text end