Minnesota § 604.13 - DESTRUCTION OF FIELD CROP PRODUCTS, ANIMALS, ORGANISMS, OR CELLS; CIVIL LIABILITY
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 604.13 — DESTRUCTION OF FIELD CROP PRODUCTS, ANIMALS, ORGANISMS, OR CELLS; CIVIL LIABILITY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 604.13. DESTRUCTION OF FIELD CROP PRODUCTS, ANIMALS, ORGANISMS, OR CELLS; CIVIL LIABILITY
Subdivision 1.Liability.
No person other than the owner, designee, or agent may willfully and knowingly damage or destroy any field crop, animal, organism, or cell that is grown for testing or research purposes in conjunction or coordination with a private research facility or a university or a federal, state, or local government agency. A person who violates this subdivision is liable for three times the value of the crop, animal, organism, or cell damaged or destroyed, as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3. This section does not apply to crops, animals, organisms, or cells damaged or destroyed by emergency vehicles and personnel acting in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Subd. 2.Damages; factors to consider.
In awarding damages under this section, the court shall consider the market and research value of the crop, animal, organism, or cell prior to damage or destruction, and production, research, testing, replacement, and development costs directly related to the crop, animal, organism, or cell that has been damaged or destroyed as part of the value.
Subd. 3.Damages; limit.
Damages available under this section are limited to:
(1) three times the market and research value of the crop, animal, organism, or cell prior to damage or destruction plus three times the actual damages involving production, research, testing, replacement, and development costs directly related to the crop, animal, organism, or cell that has been damaged or destroyed; and
(2) an amount up to $100,000 to compensate for delays in completing testing or research resulting from a violation of subdivision 1.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 604.13
What does Minnesota Statutes § 604.13 cover?
Section 604.13 ("DESTRUCTION OF FIELD CROP PRODUCTS, ANIMALS, ORGANISMS, OR CELLS; CIVIL LIABILITY") 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 § 604.13?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 604.13" (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 § 604.13 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.