The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 35.155, subdivision 4, concerning the fencing requirements for farmed Cervidae. It removes the stipulation that fencing must prevent physical contact between farmed Cervidae and free-roaming Cervidae, as well as the authority to revoke registrations under certain conditions. The revised language emphasizes that fencing must be designed to prevent escape and must be at least 96 inches in height, while also requiring that all new fencing and repairs be high tensile. Additionally, it mandates that entry areas have two redundant gates and outlines the responsibilities of farmed Cervidae owners regarding fence deficiencies.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that if a fence deficiency allows entry or exit by Cervidae, the owner must promptly repair it, with a maximum timeframe of 14 days for other deficiencies. It also establishes a reinspection process for facilities with detected deficiencies, which includes a fee for each reinspection related to a fence violation. The previous provisions allowing for the revocation of a facility's registration and the potential seizure and destruction of animals by the commissioner of natural resources in case of repeated escape incidents or unaddressed deficiencies have been eliminated.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 35.155