Minnesota Administrative Rules

1721.0520 KENNELS.

Subpart 1.

Kennels and kennel dealers; licenses.

A person licensed by the board to operate as a kennel or kennel dealer must comply with this part and must apply for a license in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 347.31 to 347.40.

Subp. 2.

Inspections.

Periodic inspections must be made pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 347.37. Upon request, the board must be allowed to inspect any building or structure on a premises where a kennel is operated.

Subp. 3.

Veterinary care.

A kennel or kennel dealer must establish and maintain a program of disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A written program of veterinarian care, signed and dated by the veterinarian and kennel manager, must be kept on file at the kennel and available for review by the board upon request. The program of veterinary care must be reviewed by the kennel manager and veterinarian annually and updated as needed. The veterinarian must visit the facility as often as necessary to supervise the program, with a minimum of an annual visit. Sick or injured animals must receive veterinary care promptly.

Subp. 4.

Control of pests.

The kennel or kennel dealer shall establish and maintain an effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, rodents, and other pests.

Subp. 5.

Kennel premises and facilities.

All licensed kennels must meet the following requirements.

A.

All housing facilities must be structurally sound and maintained in good repair.

B.

All animals must be housed in an indoor facility maintained at a temperature of not less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Animals may be provided temporary access to outdoor runs and exercise areas when appropriate for the species, breed, and weather conditions.

C.

All housing facilities must have at least eight hours of illumination, either natural or artificial, sufficient to permit routine inspection and cleaning.

D.

All housing facilities must be adequately ventilated. Drafts, odors, and moisture condensation must be minimized. Auxiliary ventilation, such as exhaust fans, vents, and air conditioning, must be used when the ambient temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit at the floor level.

E.

Carcass and garbage disposal facilities must be provided and managed to minimize vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards.

F.

Adequate storage and refrigeration must be provided and managed to protect food supplies against contamination and deterioration. Open bags of food must be stored in vermin-proof containers.

G.

The premises, housing facilities, exercise areas, and confinement areas must be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to maintain a clean and sanitary condition. Animal confinement areas must be cleaned at least once daily. Measures must be taken to protect animals from being splattered with water or feces and from exposure to harmful chemicals during cleaning. Bedding, if used, must be kept clean and dry. Outdoor runs and exercise areas must be kept clean and soiled base material must be replaced as necessary.

Subp. 6.

Animal housing and confinement areas.

A.

Confinement areas must be of sufficient size to allow each dog or cat to turn about fully and to stand, sit, and lie in a comfortable, normal position. The confinement area must be constructed so as to prevent injury to the dog or cat. Interior surfaces of indoor confinement areas must be constructed and maintained so that they are substantially impervious to moisture, provide for rapid drainage, and may be readily cleaned.

B.

Dogs or cats must not be confined by chains or by tethering.

C.

For animals housed in the same primary confinement area:

(1)

dogs or cats must be maintained in a compatible group;

(2)

puppies or kittens must not be housed with adult dogs or cats other than their dam;

(3)

any dog or cat exhibiting a vicious disposition must be housed separately; and

(4)

females in estrus must not be confined in the same confinement area with males.

D.

Dogs or cats with clinical signs of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease must be separated from other dogs or cats.

Subp. 7.

Feeding of dogs and cats.

A.

Dogs and cats must be fed at least once a day with clean, wholesome food sufficient to meet the normal daily nutritive requirements for the dog's or cat's age, size, and condition. Feed standards must be those recommended by the National Research Council.

B.

Clean potable water must be made available to all dogs and cats at least twice daily for periods of not less than one hour.

C.

All feeding and watering receptacles must be kept clean and sanitary. The receptacles must be accessible to each animal and located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. Disposable food receptacles must be discarded when soiled.

Subp. 8.

Identification.

Each dog and cat in a kennel must be identified with a numbered tag affixed to the neck by the means of a collar, identification attached to the cage, microchip, or by other means approved by the board.

Subp. 9.

Records.

Records required in this part must be maintained for a minimum of two years and available to duly authorized agents upon demand at any reasonable time. A licensed kennel or kennel dealer must maintain the following records for each animal handled:

A.

the date of acquisition and disposition;

B.

the name and address of the person from whom a dog or cat was received and, in the case of a kennel dealer, the person's driver's license number or Social Security number;

C.

the identification of each dog or cat confined to the premises;

D.

description of the dog or cat by approximate age, breed, and sex, and other distinguishing traits;

E.

the name and address of the person to whom a dog or cat was transferred;

F.

the history of disease conditions diagnosed by a veterinarian or diagnostic laboratory on animals housed on the premises; and

G.

for impounded or stray animals, the location at which the animal was found or taken.

Subp. 10.

Holding period for impounded or stray animals.

A.

With the exception of items B and C, an impounded or stray animal must be held for redemption by the owner for at least five regular business days or for a longer time specified by statute or municipal ordinance.

B.

Upon a proper determination by a licensed veterinarian, an impounded or stray animal may be immediately euthanized if the animal is physically suffering and is beyond cure through reasonable care and treatment.

C.

An impounded or stray animal that has bitten a human may be euthanized and tested for rabies before the required five-day holding period if requested by the Department of Health.

Subp. 11.

Transportation of dogs and cats.

A dog or cat must be transported in a vehicle equipped with ample cargo space and confinement areas. The dog and cat cargo space must be constructed and arranged to prevent injuries from fighting and allow for compatible grouping in terms of age, breed, size, and disposition. Separate confinement areas must be provided for females in estrus. A dog or cat must not be placed in a confinement area over other animals unless the upper confinement area is constructed to prevent excreta from entering the lower confinement area. All confinement areas and cargo space must be cleaned and disinfected between uses. The number of dogs or cats transported at one time must not exceed the number that can ride comfortably. Vehicles must be adequately equipped to provide sufficient ventilation and still protect the dogs or cats from the elements, injurious drafts, and exhaust fumes.

Subp. 12.

Dogs or cats may not be used for breeding.

No person shall allow a dog or cat housed in a kennel facility to be used for breeding. This part does not apply to a veterinary clinic licensed to operate a kennel.

Subp. 13.

Complaints and cost recovery.

A.

The board may investigate a written complaint alleging a violation of Minnesota Statutes, sections 347.31 to 347.40, or these rules, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 347.38

B.

Money from license fees, fines, penalties, or deposits under Minnesota Statutes, section 346.55 or 347.31 to 347.40, must be deposited into the general fund.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 35.03

History:

37 SR 1396

Published Electronically:

April 4, 2013