Subdivision 1. Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) "establishment" means any public or private agency, person, society, or corporation having custody of animals that are seized under the authority of the state or any political subdivision of the state; and

(2) "regular business day" means a day during which the establishment having custody of an animal is open to the public not less than four consecutive hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Subd. 2. Impoundment; record keeping. All animals seized by public authority must be held in an establishment for redemption by the owner for at least five regular business days of the establishment or for a longer time specified by municipal ordinance. Establishments must maintain the following records of the animals in custody, and preserve the records for at least six months:

(1) the description of the animal by species, breed, sex, approximate age, and other distinguishing traits;

(2) the location at which the animal was seized;

(3) the date of seizure;

(4) the name and address of the person from whom any animal three months of age or over was received; and

(5) the name and address of the person to whom any animal three months of age or over was transferred.

The records must be maintained in a form permitting easy perusal by the public. A person may view the records and animals in custody at any time during which the establishment is open to the public.

Subd. 3. Release of animals. A person must not release an animal seized and held under this section for research or product testing, either directly or through an animal dealer. This subdivision does not apply to the temporary transfer of an animal to a college of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology school accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association for the purpose of sterilization or needed veterinary care.

History: 2012 c 244 art 1 s 73