Minnesota Senate Bill SF4537

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

Board of Animal Health authority over farmed white-tailed deer return authorization; Cervidae farming modification; appropriating money

Impact

The bill’s passage would result in a stricter regulatory environment for owners of farmed Cervidae, placing greater liability on them to prevent escapes and manage health risks. Owners would need to ensure their facilities meet more rigorous fencing standards and may face substantial penalties for non-compliance, alongside the risk of having their operations shut down. It also introduces annual inspections and surveillance protocols for disease, thus changing the landscape of deer farming in Minnesota and reinforcing state oversight on animal health matters.

Summary

Senate File 4537 aims to modify the framework governing the farming of white-tailed deer in Minnesota, establishing a clear authority structure primarily under the Board of Animal Health. The legislation addresses the management and regulation of farmed Cervidae, particularly in response to the growing concerns regarding chronic wasting disease (CWD). One significant aspect of the bill includes provisions for more stringent fencing requirements to prevent escapes, and sets up a process for the destruction or testing of escaped animals to manage disease risks adequately.

Contention

While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect the state's wildlife and agricultural interests from diseases like CWD, critics express concerns about the increased regulatory burden this bill imposes on deer farmers. They argue that it may threaten the viability of small deer farming operations that cannot afford to implement such extensive measures. Moreover, the legislation includes provisions to transfer regulatory authority from the Department of Natural Resources to the Board of Animal Health, which has raised questions about the efficiency of oversight and the adequacy of resources needed to enforce these regulations.