Minnesota Statutes Animals and Property (Ch. 343-348) § 347.50. Definitions

Subdivision 1. Terms. For the purpose ofsections 347.50to347.56, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Dangerous dog. “Dangerous dog” means any dog that has:

Subd. 3. Potentially dangerous dog. “Potentially dangerous dog” means any dog that:

Subd. 4. Proper enclosure. “Proper enclosure” means securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure suitable to prevent the animal from escaping and providing protection from the elements for the dog. A proper enclosure does not include a porch, patio, or any part of a house, garage, or other structure that would allow the dog to exit of its own volition, or any house or structure in which windows are open or in which door or window screens are the only obstacles that prevent the dog from exiting.

Subd. 5. Owner. “Owner” means any person, firm, corporation, organization, or department possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having care, custody, or control of a dog.

Subd. 6. Substantial bodily harm. “Substantial bodily harm” has the meaning given it undersection 609.02, subdivision 7a.

Subd. 6a. Great bodily harm. “Great bodily harm” has the meaning given it undersection 609.02, subdivision 8.

Subd. 7. Animal control authority. “Animal control authority” means an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other governmental subdivision of the state which is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.

Subd. 8. Provocation. “Provocation” means an act that an adult could reasonably expect may cause a dog to attack or bite.