Bill > SF756

This bill modifies Minnesota's law regarding what a person must do when finding a stray animal (called an "estray" in legal terminology). Currently, if someone finds a stray animal and knows its owner, they must notify the owner within seven days and request payment for care expenses. If the owner is unknown, the finder must either 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) within ten days, or surrender the animal to animal control or a kennel within seven days. The key change in this bill is adding a new civil penalty: if a finder fails to provide the required notice, they can now be liable to the animal's owner for double the amount of damages the owner has sustained. This provision creates a financial incentive for people to promptly and properly report or handle found animals, protecting both the animals and their owners by ensuring quick communication and potential reunion.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0756&ssn=0&y=2025