Farmed Cervidae fencing requirements modified.
This bill updates Minnesota's fencing rules for farmed deer and elk to better prevent them from escaping or interacting with wild animals. It mandates that all perimeter fences be at least 96 inches tall and made of high-tensile material, while requiring two redundant gates at every entry point. Owners must immediately fix any fence defects that allow animals to enter or exit, with other repairs due within 14 days, and facilities found with violations face additional reinspection fees. The legislation also gives animal health officials the power to revoke a farm's registration and order the removal or destruction of animals if the facility has multiple escape incidents or fails to correct identified safety issues.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 7, 2026
Last action Apr 7, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Apr 7, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Agriculture Finance and Policy
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Isaac Schultz
RRepublican
Co
Joe McDonald
RRepublican
Co
John Burkel
RRepublican
Co
Keith Allen
RRepublican
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