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346.38 EQUINES.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. "Equines" are horses, ponies, mules, and burros.
    Subd. 2. Food. Equines must be provided with food of sufficient quantity and quality
to allow for normal growth or the maintenance of body weight. Feed standards shall be those
recommended by the National Research Council.
    Subd. 3. Water. Equines must be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient quantity to
satisfy the animal's needs or supplied by free choice. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.
    Subd. 4. Shelter. Equines must be provided a minimum of free choice protection or
constructed shelter from adverse weather conditions, including direct rays of the sun in extreme
heat or cold, wind, or precipitation. Natural or constructed shelters must be of sufficient size to
provide the necessary protection. Constructed shelters must be structurally sound, free of injurious
matter, maintained in good repair, and ventilated. Outside exercise paddocks for equines do
not require separate constructed shelter where a shelter is accessible to the equine on adjacent
or other accessible areas of the property provided that equines are not kept in outdoor exercise
paddocks during adverse weather conditions.
    Subd. 5. Space and cleanliness requirements. Constructed shelters except for tie stalls
must provide space for the animal to: (1) roll with a minimum danger of being cast; or (2) easily
stand, lie down, and turn around. Stalls must be cleaned and kept dry to the extent the animal is
not required to lie or stand in fluids. Bedding must be provided in all stalls, kept reasonably clean,
and periodically changed. The nature of the bedding must not pose a health hazard to the animal.
    Subd. 6. Exercise. Equines must be provided opportunity for periodic exercise, either
through free choice or through a forced work program, unless exercise is restricted by a licensed
veterinarian.
    Subd. 7. Hoof care. All equines must have their hooves properly trimmed periodically
to prevent lameness.
    Subd. 8. Transportation. A vehicle used to transport an equine must have a floor capable
of supporting the animal's weight safely. Floors must be of nonskid construction or of nonskid
material sufficient to provide the animal with traction while in transport. A minimum of 12 inches
must be allowed between the withers of the largest equine and the structure above the animal
while it is in a natural standing position. Sturdy partitions must be provided at a minimum of
approximately every ten feet inside the vehicle. Interior compartments of transporting vehicles
must be of smooth construction with no protruding or sharp objects and must provide ventilation.
Food and water must be provided in sufficient quantities to minimize stress and maintain
hydration.
History: 1983 c 358 s 4; 1986 c 444; 1998 c 402 s 3,4

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes