Establish statewide Animal Abandonment Prevention Programs

 

The purpose of this bill is to reduce animal abandonment by giving people the education, resources, and support they

need to properly care for their pets.

This bill creates programs that will help teach responsible pet ownership, provide affordable veterinary care, offer

support for people who feel they can’t keep their pets, and raise awareness about the consequences of abandoning

animals.

 

Animal abandonment is a growing issue that affects public safety, community resources, and animal welfare. Shelters

across the state have been seen with increasing numbers of surrendered and stray animals, leading to overcrowding,

higher operating costs, and increased use of euthanasia rates.

Many animals are abandoned not because their owners are cruel, but because they are overwhelmed, struggling financially,

or don’t know where to get help.

Creating statewide animal abandonment prevention programs can address the problem at its root. Through providing pet

owners with educational materials, low-cost services, and support options, the state can significantly reduce the number

of animals entering shelters. Prevention programs are more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of

abandonment, as they allow shelters to focus their resources on animals truly in need.

 

“Animal abandonment” shall be defined as the act of intentionally leaving a domesticated animal without proper care,

supervision, or the ability to return to its owner. This also includes leaving the animal in a public place, private

property, or surrendering it without arranging appropriate ongoing care.

“Pet Owner” is to be defined as an individual who has the legal custody, responsibility, or possession of a domesticated

animal.

“Prevention Programs” is defined as any educational outreach, or supportive service designed with the purpose of

reducing the rate of animal abandonment, including resources for affordable veterinary care, behavioral training, and

owner support.

“Rescue Organization” is to be defined as any licensed facility, nonprofit, or program that provides housing, caring

for, or rehoming stray, surrendered, or abandoned animals.

“Low cost services” is defined as veterinary, behavioral, or training services offered at reduced subsidized rates to

ensure accessibility for pet owners that experience financial hardships.

 

A total of $500,000 shall be allocated annually from the state’s General Fund to support the Animal Abandonment

Prevention Programs.

Additional funding for the Animal abandonment prevention program shall come from the following sources:

Donations from individuals, foundations, and private organizations

Partnerships with veterinary clinics and nonprofit animal welfare groups

Federal or state grants related to animal welfare or public health; and

Fines collected from confirmed cases of animal abandonment shall be redirected to AAPP to further support the program.

Funds appropriated or collected for AAPP shall be used for the following purposes:

Development and distribution of educational materials and statewide awareness campaigns;

Grants to licensed shelters and rescue organizations;

Low-cost veterinary, spay/neuter, and behavior services; and

Administrative costs necessary for implementation and operation of the program.

 

Any person who intentionally abandons an animal is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for a first offense.

Repeat offenses may result in increased fines, restitution for the care of the animal, and/or community service.

In cases of severe neglect or endangerment, a person may be charged under Minnesota Statutes chapter 343, for

misdemeanor or felony animal cruelty

Animal control officers, local law enforcement agencies, and designated shelter officials shall have the authority to

investigate reports of animal abandonment

Animals found abandoned or neglected may be seized and placed in a licensed shelter, rescue or foster care program.

Investigating officers shall document all enforcement actions and submit reports to the local governing body or

appropriate state agency.

 

This act is effective July 1, 2026.