Bill > HF272

This bill modifies Minnesota law regarding the process of handling estrays, which are animals found wandering without an apparent owner. Under the proposed changes, when a person finds an estray (an animal without an identified owner), they must either notify the owner within seven days if known, or take one of two alternative actions within seven to ten days: file a notice with the local town or city clerk (including a description or photo of the animal, finder's contact information, and details about where and when the animal was found), or surrender the animal to an animal control agency or kennel. The bill introduces a new provision that if a finder fails to follow these notification requirements, they can be held liable to the animal's owner for double the damages sustained. This change aims to create a more structured and accountable process for handling lost animals, ensuring that owners have a better chance of being reunited with their animals and that finders take responsible steps to help locate the rightful owner.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0272&ssn=0&y=2025