Minnesota § 609.599 - EXPOSING DOMESTIC ANIMALS TO DISEASE

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.599 — EXPOSING DOMESTIC ANIMALS TO DISEASE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 609.599. EXPOSING DOMESTIC ANIMALS TO DISEASE

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

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.599

What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.599 cover?

Section 609.599 ("EXPOSING DOMESTIC ANIMALS TO DISEASE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 609.599?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.599" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 609.599 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.