Subdivision 1.In general.

A person in charge or control of any dog which is kept outdoors or in an unheated enclosure shall provide the dog with shelter and bedding as prescribed in this section as a minimum.

Subd. 2.Building specifications.

Attorney's Note

Under the Minnesota Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Misdemeanorup to 90 daysup to $1,000
Petty misdemeanorup to $300
For details, see § 609.02 and

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Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 343.40

  • Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

The shelter shall include a moistureproof and windproof structure of suitable size to accommodate the dog and allow retention of body heat. It shall be made of durable material with a solid, moistureproof floor or a floor raised at least two inches from the ground. Between November 1 and March 31 the structure must have a windbreak at the entrance. The structure shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings, blankets, or the equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat.

Subd. 3.Shade.

Shade from the direct rays of the sun, during the months of May to October shall be provided.

Subd. 4.Farm dogs.

In lieu of the requirements of subdivisions 2 and 3, a dog kept on a farm may be provided with access to a barn with a sufficient quantity of loose hay or bedding to protect against cold and dampness.

Subd. 5.Zoning.

All shelters required by this section shall be subject to all building or zoning regulations of any city, township, county, or state.

Subd. 6.Penalty.

Whoever violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.