Wisconsin § 951.14 - Providing proper shelter.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 951.14 — Providing proper shelter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 951.14. Providing proper shelter.

No person owning or responsible for confining or impounding any animal may fail to provide the animal with proper shelter as prescribed in this section. In the case of farm animals, nothing in this section shall be construed as imposing shelter requirements or standards more stringent than normally accepted husbandry practices in the particular county where the animal or shelter is located. 951.14(1) (1) Indoor standards. Minimum indoor standards of shelter shall include: 951.14(1)(a) (a) Ambient temperatures. The ambient temperature shall be compatible with the health of the animal. 951.14(1)(b) (b) Ventilation. Indoor housing facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical means to provide for the health of the animals at all times. 951.14(2) (2) Outdoor standards. Minimum outdoor standards of shelter shall include: 951.14(2)(a) (a) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion of an animal tied or caged outside, sufficient shade by natural or artificial means shall be provided to protect the animal from direct sunlight. As used in this paragraph, “caged” does not include farm fencing used to confine farm animals. 951.14(2)(b) (b) Shelter from inclement weather. 951.14(2)(b)1. 1. ‘Animals generally.’ Natural or artificial shelter appropriate to the local climatic conditions for the species concerned shall be provided as necessary for the health of the animal. 951.14(2)(b)2. 2. ‘Dogs.’ If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under weather conditions which adversely affect the health of the dog, a shelter of suitable size to accommodate the dog shall be provided. 951.14(3) (3) Space standards. Minimum space requirements for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include: 951.14(3)(a) (a) Structural strength. The housing facilities shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals. 951.14(3)(b) (b) Space requirements. Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of debility, stress or abnormal behavior patterns. 951.14(4) (4) Sanitation standards. Minimum standards of sanitation for both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include periodic cleaning to remove excreta and other waste materials, dirt and trash so as to minimize health hazards. 951.14 History History: 1973 c. 314 ; 1987 a. 332 s. 54 ; Stats. 1987 s. 951.14.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 951.14

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 951.14 cover?

Section 951.14 ("Providing proper shelter.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin § 951.14?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 951.14" (Wisconsin). 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 Wisconsin law?

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

How does Wisconsin § 951.14 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.