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SF756 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Civil damages provision for failing to give notice to finding an estray

Related bill: HF272

AI Generated Summary

The bill SF No 756 proposes changes to the rules around finding lost or stray animals (referred to as "estrays") in Minnesota. Here's what the bill says in simpler terms:

  1. If someone finds a stray animal and knows who owns it, they must notify the owner within seven days. The owner is then asked to pay any costs related to caring for the animal and to retrieve it.
  2. If the person who found the animal does not know who the owner is, they have two options:
    • They can report the animal to the local town or city clerk and post a notice (either online or physically) about the animal. This notice must describe the animal or show a photo, where the animal was found, and give the finder's contact information. This must be done within ten days.
    • Alternatively, they can surrender the animal to a local animal control agency or a kennel within seven days.
  3. If someone who finds a stray animal fails to follow these notification rules, they will be required to pay the animal's owner twice the amount of damages caused by not giving notice.

These changes aim to make it easier to reunite lost animals with their owners and ensure they are cared for properly until they are claimed.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 29, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 29, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionWithdrawn and re-referred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionWithdrawn and re-referred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides options for finders to either file a notice with the town or city clerk or surrender the estray to local agency."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the process for finders of estrays to notify owners under section 346.021.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the notification period to owners from general requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "346.021",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Defines terms related to kennels applied within the context of this bill under section 347.31, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies definition scope to support estray management."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "347.31",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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