Bill > HF40

This bill modifies Minnesota's existing regulations for farmed Cervidae (deer and elk) by removing specific requirements about physical contact prevention between farmed and free-roaming Cervidae and eliminating provisions for registration revocation. The amended law continues to require that farmed Cervidae be confined in a manner that prevents escape, maintaining the 96-inch minimum fence height and mandating high tensile fencing for new installations and repairs. The bill removes language that previously allowed the Board of Animal Health to revoke a facility's registration if multiple escape incidents occurred or fence deficiencies were not corrected, and eliminates provisions that would have permitted the commissioner of natural resources to seize and destroy animals in such cases. The remaining requirements include maintaining double gates, immediate repair of fence deficiencies that allow animal entry or exit, and potential reinspection within three months of a detected fence issue, with the facility owner responsible for a reinspection fee. This change appears to provide more flexibility for Cervidae farmers while maintaining basic containment standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0040&ssn=0&y=2025