Minnesota Session Laws - 1990, Regular Session

  

                         Laws of Minnesota 1990 

                        CHAPTER 387-S.F.No. 1968 
           An act relating to pet or companion animals; 
          permitting restrictions to be imposed on persons 
          convicted of mistreating animals; amending Minnesota 
          Statutes 1988, section 343.21, by adding a subdivision.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
    Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 1988, section 343.21, is 
amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
    Subd. 10.  [RESTRICTIONS.] If a person is convicted of 
violating this section, the court may require that a pet or 
companion animal, as defined in section 346.36, subdivision 6, 
that is in the custody of the person must be turned over to a 
peace officer or other appropriate officer or agent if the court 
determines that the person is unable or unfit to provide 
adequately for the animal.  If the evidence indicates lack of 
proper and reasonable care of the animal, the burden is on the 
person to affirmatively demonstrate by clear and convincing 
evidence that the person is able and fit to have custody of and 
provide adequately for the animal.  The court may limit the 
person's further possession or custody of the animal and other 
pet or companion animals, and may impose other conditions the 
court considers appropriate, including, but not limited to: 
    (1) imposing a probation period during which the person may 
not have ownership, custody, or control of a pet or companion 
animal; 
    (2) requiring periodic visits of the person by an animal 
control officer or agent appointed pursuant to section 343.01, 
subdivision 1; 
    (3) requiring performance by the person of community 
service in a humane facility; and 
    (4) requiring the person to receive behavioral counseling. 
    Sec. 2.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
    This act is effective the day following final enactment. 
    Presented to the governor March 30, 1990 
    Signed by the governor April 3, 1990, 8:38 p.m.