Physical contact between farmed Cervidae and free-roaming Cervidae prevention fencing requirement removal and registration revocation under certain circumstances authority removal

This bill removes a state requirement that fences around farmed deer and elk must prevent physical contact with free-roaming deer and elk, while maintaining the mandate that fences prevent animal escape. It also eliminates the authority of state officials to revoke animal facility registrations or order the removal and destruction of animals based on repeated escape incidents or uncorrected fence deficiencies. Under the revised law, facilities must still maintain fences at least 96 inches tall made of high tensile material, repair fence deficiencies within 14 days, and pay reinspection fees for violations, but the most severe penalties of registration revocation and animal destruction are no longer available. The changes directly affect Minnesota farmers and ranchers who raise deer and elk by altering enforcement options for the Board of Animal Health.