(A) All animals shall receive from their owners or keepers kind treatment, housing in the winter, and sufficient food and water for their comfort. Any person not treating their pet in a humane manner will be subject to the penalties provided in this section.
(B) Dogs and cats. Dogs and cats must be provided the following basic care.
(1) Food. Dogs and cats must be provided with food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or the maintenance of body weight. Feed standards shall be those recommended by the National Research Council.
(2) Water. Dogs and cats must be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs or supplied by free choice. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.
(3) Transportation and shipment. When dogs or cats are transported in crates or containers, the crates or containers must be constructed of nonabrasive wire or a smooth, durable material suitable for the animals. Crates and containers must be clean, adequately ventilated, contain sufficient space to allow the animals to turn around, and provide maximum safety and protection to the animals. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes and water must be provided at least once every eight hours. Food must be provided at least once every 24 hours or more often, if necessary, to maintain the health and condition of the animals.
(4) Shelter size. A confinement area must provide sufficient space to allow each animal to turn about freely and to easily stand, sit, and lie in a normal position. Each confined animal must be provided a minimum square footage of floor space as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, plus 25%, expressed in square feet. The formula for computing minimum square footage is: (length of animal plus 25%) times (length of animal plus 25%), divided by 144. A shaded area must be provided sufficient to protect the animal from the direct rays of the sun at all times during the months of May to October.
(5) Exercise. All dogs and cats must be provided the opportunity for periodic exercise, either through free choice or through a forced work program, unless exercise is restricted by a licensed veterinarian.
(6) Group housing and breeding. Animals housed together must be kept in compatible groups. Animals must not be bred so often as to endanger their health.
(7) Temperature. Confinement areas must be maintained at a temperature suitable for the animal involved.
(8) Ventilation. An indoor confinement area must be ventilated. Drafts, odors, and moisture condensation must be minimized. Auxiliary ventilation, such as exhaust fans, vents, and air conditioning, must be used when the ambient temperature rises to a level that may endanger the health of the animal.
(9) Lighting. An indoor confinement area must have at least eight hours of illumination sufficient to permit routine inspection and cleaning.
(10) Confinement and exercise area surfaces. Where applicable, the interior surfaces of confinement and exercise areas, including crates or containers, must be constructed and maintained so that they are substantially impervious to moisture and may be readily cleaned. They must protect the animal from injury and be kept in good repair.
(11) Drainage. Where applicable, a suitable method must be used to rapidly eliminate excess fluids from confinement areas.
(12) Sanitation. Food and water receptacles must be accessible to each animal and located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. Feeding and water receptacles must be kept clean. Disposable food receptacles must be discarded when soiled. Measures must be taken to protect animals from being contaminated with water, wastes, and harmful chemicals. Wastes must be disposed of properly. Where applicable, flushing methods and a disinfectant must be used periodically. Bedding, if used, must be kept clean and dry. Outdoor enclosures must be kept clean and base material replaced as necessary.
(C) Birds, rodent other animals. Basic care provided to pet and companion animal birds, rodents and other shall be consistent with M.S. § 346.40, § 346.41 and § 346.42, as those statutes may be amended from time to time.
(D) Dogs and cats in motor vehicles.
(1) Unattended dogs or cats. A person may not leave a dog or a cat unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the dog's or cat's health or safety.
(2) Removal of dogs or cats. A peace officer, as defined in M.S. § 626.84, as it may be amended from time to time, a humane agent, a dog warden, or a volunteer or professional member of a fire or rescue department of the city may use reasonable force to enter a motor vehicle and remove a dog or cat which has been left in the vehicle in violation of (D)(1). A person removing a dog or a cat under this division shall use reasonable means to contact the owner of the dog or cat to arrange for its return home. If the person is unable to contact the owner, the person may take the dog or cat to an animal shelter.
(E) Dog houses. 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.
(1) Building specifications. The shelter shall include a moisture proof 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, moisture proof 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.
(2) Shade. Shade from the direct rays of the sun, during the months of May to October shall be provided.
(3) Farm dogs. In lieu of the requirements of (E)(1) and (E)(2), 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.