Subdivision 1. Food.
Food must be made available to every pet rodent at least once a day.
This food must be fresh, wholesome, palatable, free from contamination, and of sufficient
nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements necessary to maintain the health and
condition of the animal.
Subd. 2. Water.
A pet rodent must be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient
quantity to satisfy the animal's needs or supplied by free choice. Snow or ice is not an adequate
Subd. 3. Transportation.
Rodents may be transported only in containers constructed of a
smooth, durable material. Containers must:
(a) be constructed so as to prevent escape or injury by chewing;
(b) provide fresh air to each contained animal and yet prevent exposure to injurious drafts;
(c) provide enough space for each animal to stand up, turn around, and obtain necessary
food and water;
(d) have fresh food and water available to each animal during all shipping periods exceeding
six hours. Food and water requirements may be met by providing vegetables or fruits sufficient to
meet an animal's food and water needs.
Subd. 4. Shelter and cage construction.
Shelters or cages must be constructed in a manner
that allows cleaning of the entire surface area. The materials used must be of sufficient strength to
prevent escape or injury by chewing and to protect the animal from predators.
A shelter or cage with a solid bottom must be constructed of materials that are impervious
to moisture. A shelter or cage with a wire or mesh bottom must be constructed to allow excreta
to pass through the spaces in the wire or mesh. The wire or mesh floor must be constructed to
prevent injury to the feet and legs of the animals.
Outdoor confinement areas must provide sufficient shade to protect the animal from the
direct rays of the sun and shelter the animal from rain or snow.
Subd. 5. Exercise.
A shelter or cage must be of sufficient height and have sufficient floor
space to allow the caged animals to obtain proper exercise and maintain good health.
Subd. 6. Temperature.
A confinement area must be maintained at a temperature suitable for
the confined animal.
Subd. 7. Ventilation.
A shelter or cage must provide ventilation to the confined animals. It
must be constructed to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Additional ventilation
must be provided when the ambient temperature rises to a level that may endanger the health of
Subd. 8. Lighting.
Lighting of sufficient intensity and distribution must be available to
permit routine inspection and regular cleaning.
Subd. 9. Sanitation.
A shelter or cage must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the
accumulation of excreta, hair, contaminated or wet litter, and uneaten or contaminated food. If the
shelter or cage has a solid floor, the floor must be covered with clean, dry bedding which must
be changed at least once a week. If the shelter or cage has a wire or mesh floor, the catch pans
or troughs under the cage must be cleaned at least once a week. If the cage or shelter becomes
soiled or wet to a degree that may be harmful to the caged animals due to water leakage, dead
animals, or spoiled foods, the animals must be transferred to clean, dry quarters as soon as
possible after discovery of the condition. The shelter or cage, and food and water receptacles,
must be regularly cleaned.
Subd. 10. Chewing materials.
A rodent must be provided with materials that allow
necessary chewing to prevent detrimental overgrowth of the animal's teeth.
History: 1983 c 358 s 7