Subdivision 1. Gross misdemeanor. (a) A person who intentionally exposes a domestic animal to an animal disease contrary to reasonable veterinary practice, or intentionally puts a domestic animal at risk of quarantine or destruction by actions contrary to reasonable veterinary practice, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) do not apply to a person performing academic or industry research on domestic animals under protocols approved by an institutional animal care and use committee.
Subd. 2. Civil liability. A person who violates subdivision 1 is liable in a civil action for damages in an amount three times the value of any domestic animal destroyed because it has the disease, has been exposed to the disease agent, or is at high risk of being exposed to the disease agent because of proximity to diseased animals.
Subd. 3. Definition. For purposes of this section, "domestic animal" means:
(1) those species of animals that live under the husbandry of humans;
(2) livestock within the meaning of section 35.01, subdivision 3;
(3) a farm-raised deer, farm-raised game bird, or farm-raised fish; or
(4) an animal listed as a domestic animal by a rule adopted by the Department of Agriculture.
History: 2004 c 254 s 45
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