MN Animal Disease Lawyer | Defense for Minn. Stat. 609.599

Facing Charges Under Minn. Stat. § 609.599? A Minnesota Attorney Defends Your Livelihood and Reputation.

You are in a position few people can even imagine. You’ve been accused of intentionally exposing domestic animals to disease, a charge that strikes at the heart of your reputation, your business, and your standing in the community. This isn’t a typical criminal accusation. It’s a complex and serious allegation that suggests a malicious intent to cause harm to the very animals that may be central to your life or livelihood. Perhaps this charge stems from a misunderstanding with a neighbor, a dispute with a former employee, or actions that have been completely misinterpreted by authorities. You might be a farmer near Rochester, a hobbyist with livestock in a Twin Cities suburb like Plymouth or Brooklyn Park, or a business owner somewhere in between—and now you’re facing a legal battle that threatens everything you’ve worked for.

The State will portray your actions as deliberate and reckless, a threat to Minnesota’s agricultural economy and animal welfare. They have veterinarians and state agencies on their side, ready to build a case against you. But their story is not the whole story. I am an attorney who defends individuals across Minnesota, from the rural farmlands to the urban centers of Minneapolis and St. Paul. I understand how devastating and unfair these charges can be. I know that a gross misdemeanor conviction and the threat of crushing civil liability can destroy a family business or a personal passion. You do not have to let an accusation define your future. This is the moment to build a powerful, strategic defense to protect your name and your rights.

The Core of the Accusation: What Exposing Domestic Animals to Disease Actually Means in Minnesota

Being charged under Minnesota Statute § 609.599 means the government is accusing you of something very specific: intentionally taking actions that you knew were against reasonable veterinary practices to either infect a domestic animal with a disease or put that animal at risk of being quarantined or destroyed. This is not about making a mistake, having an accident, or being unaware of a particular risk. A Minnesota charge for exposing domestic animals to disease hinges on the prosecutor proving your actions were deliberate and contrary to established standards of animal care. This law is often used in cases involving agricultural operations, but it can apply to anyone who keeps domestic animals.

Facing this accusation can feel isolating, especially if you’ve dedicated your life to caring for animals. The prosecution must prove that you knew your conduct was wrong and did it anyway. Common scenarios can range from allegedly failing to properly quarantine a new animal you knew was sick, to accusations of deliberately using contaminated equipment, to disputes between commercial breeders. Understanding that the state’s entire case rests on proving your intent is the first step. It allows us to build a defense that highlights your true motives and challenges the government’s narrative that you meant to cause harm.

Minnesota Law on Exposing Domestic Animals to Disease — Straight from the Statute

The legal framework for the charge you are facing is Minnesota Statute § 609.599, “Exposing Domestic Animals to Disease.” This is the law the prosecutor will use to build their case and seek a conviction. It is essential that you read and understand the precise language we will be fighting against.

609.599 EXPOSING DOMESTIC ANIMALS TO DISEASE.

Subdivision 1. Gross misdemeanor. (a) A person who intentionally exposes a domestic animal to an animal disease contrary to reasonable veterinary practice, or intentionally puts a domestic animal at risk of quarantine or destruction by actions contrary to reasonable veterinary practice, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) do not apply to a person performing academic or industry research on domestic animals under protocols approved by an institutional animal care and use committee.

Subd. 2. Civil liability. A person who violates subdivision 1 is liable in a civil action for damages in an amount three times the value of any domestic animal destroyed because it has the disease, has been exposed to the disease agent, or is at high risk of being exposed to the disease agent because of proximity to diseased animals.

Subd. 3. Definition. For purposes of this section, “domestic animal” means: (1) those species of animals that live under the husbandry of humans; (2) livestock within the meaning of section 35.01, subdivision 3; (3) a farm-raised deer, farm-raised game bird, or farm-raised fish; or (4) an animal listed as a domestic animal by a rule adopted by the Department of Agriculture.

Breaking Down the Legal Elements of Exposing Domestic Animals to Disease in Minnesota

To secure a conviction, the prosecutor can’t just tell a judge or jury you’re a bad actor. They carry the heavy burden of proving every single part of their accusation beyond a reasonable doubt. If we can show that they have failed to prove even one of the following “elements,” their case against you cannot succeed. My entire defense strategy will be built around dismantling the state’s case, element by element, to protect your freedom, your finances, and your reputation. Here is what the prosecution must prove:

Intent: This is the most critical element and often the most difficult for the state to prove. The prosecutor must show that you acted intentionally—that it was your conscious objective to expose an animal to disease or put it at risk. It’s not enough that you were negligent, made a poor judgment call, or were simply unaware of a specific protocol. They have to prove a malicious state of mind, a deliberate choice to cause harm or create a prohibited risk. My focus will be on demonstrating that your actions were not intentional, but rather misunderstood or accidental.
The Act: You must have taken a specific action, or failed to take a necessary action, that resulted in either the exposure of a domestic animal to a disease or put that animal at risk of quarantine or destruction. This could be anything from moving a sick animal into a healthy herd to failing to follow biosecurity protocols. We will scrutinize the alleged act itself and challenge whether it truly created the level of risk the prosecution claims it did.
Contrary to Reasonable Veterinary Practice: Your actions must have been objectively unreasonable from a professional standpoint. The state can’t rely on hearsay or opinion; they must establish what a “reasonable veterinary practice” would be under the circumstances, often through expert testimony. My counter-strategy involves consulting with independent veterinarians and agricultural professionals to show that your conduct was, in fact, reasonable, customary, or at the very least, not a criminal deviation from the standard of care.
Domestic Animal: The statute applies only to “domestic animals” as defined by Minnesota law. This includes a broad range of animals under human care, from traditional livestock like cattle and poultry to farm-raised deer or fish. While this element is often straightforward, we will confirm that the animals involved legally qualify under the statute, leaving no stone unturned in your defense.

Penalties for a Conviction Can Be Devastatingly Severe in Minnesota

Do not make the mistake of underestimating the consequences of a charge under this statute. While it is classified as a gross misdemeanor, the penalties extend far beyond a typical criminal sentence. A conviction for exposing a domestic animal to disease is designed not only to punish you but also to create a massive financial deterrent. The combination of criminal penalties and staggering civil liability can lead to financial ruin, destroy a family business, and tarnish your name permanently.

Gross Misdemeanor Conviction

As a gross misdemeanor, this is a serious criminal offense that carries significant penalties on its own. It is far more severe than a standard misdemeanor and will create a lasting criminal record.

Maximum Jail Time: Up to 364 days in a county jail.
Maximum Fine: Up to $3,000.
Criminal Record: A permanent conviction that will appear on any background check, potentially affecting loans, licenses, and business opportunities.

Crushing Civil Liability: Triple Damages

This is the most financially dangerous part of the statute. On top of any criminal sentence, you can be sued in civil court by the owner of the animals. The law specifically states that you are liable for three times the value of any animal that is destroyed because of your actions.

How it Works: If a herd of livestock valued at $100,000 is culled because of a disease you are convicted of spreading, you could be civilly liable for $300,000.
Broad Scope: This liability applies not just to animals that get sick, but also to healthy animals that are destroyed due to exposure risk or proximity to the disease, potentially covering an entire herd, flock, or operation. This penalty alone can force a farm or business into bankruptcy.

What This Charge Looks Like in Real Life — Common Scenarios in Minnesota

These allegations don’t arise in a sterile legal environment. They grow out of the complex realities of agriculture, animal husbandry, and neighborly disputes across Minnesota. A single decision, often made under pressure, can be twisted by prosecutors into a criminal act. You might recognize the seeds of your own situation in these scenarios, which illustrate how easily good intentions can be misconstrued and how quickly a conflict can escalate into a criminal charge.

The prosecutor will present a black-and-white version of events. My job is to introduce the shades of gray—the full context, the financial pressures, the lack of information—to show that your actions were not the malicious crime they are alleged to be.

The New Animal on a Rochester Farm

You run a small livestock operation outside of Rochester. You purchase a new animal from an out-of-state seller who provided health papers that looked legitimate. You follow your usual quarantine protocol, but an aggressive, fast-spreading disease still breaks out and infects part of your herd. A neighbor whose animals also get sick accuses you of intentionally bringing a diseased animal onto your property to save money on a healthier one. The state charges you, claiming your quarantine procedures were not up to “reasonable veterinary practice.”

The Hobby Farm Dispute in Maple Grove

You have a hobby farm in a suburban area like Maple Grove or Plymouth where your neighbors are not accustomed to agricultural life. Your chickens get sick with a common poultry illness. You are treating them based on advice from your feed store and online resources. A neighbor, fearing for their own backyard flock, reports you to the Board of Animal Health. They claim you are recklessly allowing the disease to spread. You are then charged for not immediately consulting a veterinarian, an action the state alleges was “contrary to reasonable veterinary practice.”

The Equipment-Sharing Disagreement Near St. Cloud

You and another farmer near St. Cloud have a verbal agreement to share certain pieces of farm equipment. A disease breaks out in your neighbor’s herd, and they blame you. They claim you failed to properly sanitize the equipment after using it on your own animals, some of which they allege were showing subtle signs of illness. They accuse you of intentionally cutting corners to save time and money, putting their entire operation at risk. The prosecutor takes their side and charges you under the statute.

The Aggressive Competitor in the Exotic Animal Market

You are a breeder of farm-raised deer or other game animals, a competitive market in Minnesota. A rival breeder loses several animals to a disease. They accuse you of deliberately spreading the contagion at a recent auction or show by bringing animals you knew were carriers. They claim you did it to sabotage their business. Lacking direct proof, they point to circumstantial evidence, and the prosecutor, swayed by the significant financial loss, files a gross misdemeanor charge against you.

Legal Defenses That Might Work Against Your Charge of Exposing Animals to Disease

When you are facing the full power of the government, it’s easy to feel hopeless. But an accusation is not proof. You are presumed innocent, and the burden is entirely on the prosecutor to prove their case. My role is to dismantle that case with a powerful, proactive defense strategy. I will not just react to the state’s claims; I will launch my own investigation. I will engage veterinary experts, scrutinize biosecurity protocols, interview witnesses, and challenge the very foundation of the state’s argument: your intent.

A strong defense is a creative defense. We will attack the charge from multiple angles, forcing the prosecution to defend every aspect of their case. Whether it’s proving your actions were reasonable, showing you had no malicious intent, or demonstrating that you are being falsely accused by someone with a grudge, our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome. This could be a complete dismissal of the charges, a not-guilty verdict at trial, or a civil resolution that avoids a criminal conviction altogether.

You Lacked the Required Intent

This is the cornerstone of many defenses. The prosecution must prove you intentionally exposed animals to disease. We will work to show that your actions, at worst, were a mistake, an accident, or based on incomplete information—none of which meet the high legal standard of “intent.”

Good Faith Mistake: You may have relied on faulty health certificates from a seller or followed outdated advice you genuinely believed was correct. We can present evidence of your due diligence to show that you were acting in good faith and had no idea you were creating a risk.
Accidental Exposure: The spread of disease can occur through countless vectors beyond your control, from wildlife to airborne pathogens. We can argue that the exposure was a tragic accident or caused by an unknown factor, not a direct result of any intentional act on your part.

Your Actions Were Not “Contrary to Reasonable Veterinary Practice”

The state’s case hinges on the idea that your conduct fell below an objective standard of care. We will directly challenge this assertion with credible evidence and expert testimony.

Conflicting Expert Opinions: Veterinary science is not always black and white. We can hire an independent veterinarian or agricultural expert to testify that your actions were, in fact, reasonable under the circumstances, or that there is no single, universally accepted “practice” for the situation you were in.
Industry Standard: We can present evidence that your practices are common and accepted within your specific agricultural community, even if they differ from what the state’s hand-picked expert claims is ideal. This shows your conduct was not a criminal deviation but a standard operational procedure.

False Accusation or Ulterior Motive

Unfortunately, these charges are sometimes used as a weapon in a personal or business dispute. We will investigate the person making the accusation to determine if they have a reason to lie or exaggerate.

Disgruntled Neighbor or Former Employee: The accuser may be a neighbor with whom you’ve had property disputes or a former employee who was fired. We can expose their bias and motivation to the court, showing that their accusation is based on personal animosity, not facts.
Business Rivalry: In a competitive agricultural market, a rival may make a false claim to damage your reputation and business. We would investigate their financial motive to undermine the credibility of their accusations against you.

Challenging the Chain of Causation

The state must prove that your specific action directly led to the disease outbreak or risk. This chain of causation can be difficult to prove conclusively.

Alternative Sources of Infection: We will investigate all other possible sources of the disease. This could include contaminated feed from a supplier, contact with wild animals, environmental factors, or even the negligence of the accuser themselves. By introducing reasonable doubt about the source of the infection, we can break the link between your actions and the outcome.
Intervening Events: Something may have happened after your alleged action that was the true cause of the outbreak. For example, another person may have failed to follow instructions or an equipment malfunction may have occurred. We will trace the timeline of events to show that an intervening cause, not your conduct, was the real problem.

Minnesota Exposing Domestic Animals to Disease FAQs — What You Need to Know Now

Will I definitely go to jail if convicted?

A gross misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, so it is a possibility. However, it is not a certainty. For first-time offenders, alternative sentences like probation, community service, or significant fines are common. My primary goal in every case is to argue for a resolution that involves no jail time and, ideally, no criminal conviction at all.

Is the “triple damages” civil liability automatic if I’m convicted?

If you are convicted criminally, the statute makes you liable in a civil action for triple the value of the destroyed animals. While the conviction makes the civil case much easier for the owner to win, it is still a separate lawsuit. Part of a comprehensive defense strategy is to negotiate a global resolution that settles the civil liability and the criminal charge at the same time, often for a much lower amount.

What if I was just following the advice of a more experienced farmer?

This is a very important fact in your defense. Relying on the advice of a mentor or a more experienced peer helps to negate the element of “intent.” It shows you were not acting maliciously but were trying to do the right thing based on the information available to you. We would use this to argue that your conduct was made in good faith, not with criminal intent.

Can I be charged if my own animals were the only ones that got sick?

It is less likely, but technically possible if the state believes your actions put those animals at an intentional “risk of quarantine or destruction.” For example, if you intentionally infected one of your own animals to try and make a fraudulent insurance claim. However, most cases involve the spread of disease to another person’s animals.

Do I need a lawyer for this kind of charge in a smaller city like Eagan or St. Cloud?

Absolutely. The seriousness of a gross misdemeanor and the risk of triple-damage civil liability are the same no matter where you are in Minnesota. A local prosecutor in Eagan or St. Cloud will pursue the case just as aggressively. Having an experienced attorney who understands both the state law and the local court system is crucial to protecting yourself.

How does the state prove what “reasonable veterinary practice” is?

The prosecutor will hire a veterinarian to act as an expert witness. This expert will testify about the accepted standards of care for biosecurity, quarantine, sanitation, and treatment. A key part of my defense strategy is to hire our own, equally qualified expert to challenge the state’s witness and show that your conduct was indeed reasonable or that no clear standard exists.

Can these charges be dismissed before a trial?

Yes. Dismissal is always a primary goal. If I can show the prosecutor that they have insufficient evidence to prove intent, or that their expert’s opinion is weak, I can often negotiate a pre-trial dismissal. This can also happen if we can prove you were falsely accused or if critical evidence was obtained illegally.

What if I didn’t know the animal was sick?

If you genuinely did not know an animal was carrying a disease, then you could not have formed the intent to spread it. This is a powerful defense. The prosecution would have to prove that you were “willfully blind” or knew about the illness and ignored it. We would work to gather evidence showing you had every reason to believe the animal was healthy.

How long will this stay on my criminal record?

A gross misdemeanor conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless you can get it expunged. Expungement is a separate legal process that is not guaranteed. This is why it is so critical to fight the charge from the very beginning—to prevent a conviction from ever appearing on your record in the first place.

The accuser is my direct business competitor. What can be done?

We would launch a thorough investigation into your competitor’s business practices, financial situation, and any history of disputes. The goal is to expose their ulterior motive to the prosecutor and the court. If we can establish a clear motive for them to make a false accusation, it severely damages their credibility and weakens the entire case against you.

What is a “domestic animal” in Minnesota? Does it include my dog or cat?

The statute has a broad definition that includes traditional livestock, farm-raised game, and any species that lives “under the husbandry of humans.” While the law is typically used in agricultural contexts, it could theoretically be applied to common household pets like dogs and cats if the other elements of the crime were met.

What should I do if investigators from the Board of Animal Health want to talk to me?

You should be polite, but you should not answer any questions or consent to a search of your property without an attorney present. These investigators work with prosecutors. Anything you say can and will be used against you. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. State clearly: “I am going to cooperate, but I will not speak with you until my lawyer is present.”

Can I settle the civil case to make the criminal charge go away?

Sometimes. This is a key negotiating strategy. A “civil compromise” is an arrangement where you agree to pay damages to the alleged victim, and in return, they agree they do not want to see the criminal case proceed. While the prosecutor has the final say, they are often willing to dismiss the criminal charges if the victim is made whole financially and no longer wants to pursue the case.

I can’t afford a massive civil judgment. What happens then?

A large civil judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank account levies, and liens on your property. In the most extreme cases, it can force you into bankruptcy. This is why fighting the criminal charge so aggressively is critical—a conviction is the gateway to that civil liability. We fight to prevent the conviction and protect you from financial ruin.

Why is hiring a private attorney better for this specific charge?

This is not a standard criminal case. It requires a deep understanding of veterinary practices, agricultural operations, and complex financial liability. Public defenders are excellent lawyers, but their massive caseloads often prevent them from dedicating the time needed to hire experts and delve into the unique technical details of a case like this. A private attorney can devote the focused resources necessary to build a highly specialized defense.

What a Conviction Could Mean for the Rest of Your Life

The consequences of a conviction under this statute ripple outwards, touching every corner of your professional and personal life. The formal sentence is only the beginning. The “collateral consequences”—the hidden penalties of a criminal record—can be even more destructive, especially for a charge so closely tied to your reputation and livelihood. You must understand what is truly at stake to appreciate the importance of fighting this charge now.

Financial Ruin from Civil Penalties

The threat of a civil judgment for triple damages cannot be overstated. This isn’t just a fine; it’s a debt that can follow you for decades. For a farmer or livestock producer, a single outbreak can involve animals valued at tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Tripling that figure creates a liability that can easily bankrupt a family farm that has been passed down for generations. This civil penalty is designed to be financially crippling, and it is a key reason to fight the underlying criminal charge with every available resource.

Destruction of Your Professional Reputation

In the agricultural community, your reputation is everything. It’s built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to responsible animal husbandry. A conviction for intentionally harming animals or spreading disease shatters that trust. It can make it impossible to do business with suppliers, sell your products, or get loans from agricultural lenders. Word travels fast in these tight-knit communities, and the stigma of this conviction—even if it was based on a misunderstanding—can be impossible to escape.

Loss of Licenses and Permits

Many agricultural and animal-related businesses require state or federal licenses to operate. This includes permits for breeding, selling livestock, dairy production, or operating a commercial kennel. A gross misdemeanor conviction, especially one related to animal welfare and public health, can be grounds for a licensing board to revoke your existing permits or deny future applications. Without the proper licenses, your ability to legally run your business could come to an end, effectively destroying your livelihood.

Ineligibility for Government Programs and Loans

Farmers and agricultural businesses across Minnesota often rely on federal and state programs, grants, and loans for support. A criminal conviction can make you ineligible for many of these vital programs. You could be barred from receiving USDA loans, disaster relief funds, or conservation grants that are essential for your business’s financial health and stability. This closes off a critical lifeline that your competitors continue to enjoy, putting you at a significant and permanent disadvantage.

Why You Need a Tough, Experienced Minnesota Attorney for This Unique Charge

When your entire future is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a dedicated advocate who understands the unique stakes of your case. A charge of exposing domestic animals to disease is not a run-of-the-mill offense. It’s a complex blend of criminal law, veterinary science, and civil liability. The prosecutor will use state-funded experts to build a seemingly impenetrable case against you. My job is to find the cracks in their foundation and build a defense that is even stronger.

A Defense as Specialized as Your Charge

This is not a case for a general practitioner. It requires a specific skill set: the ability to understand and challenge scientific evidence, the experience to cross-examine expert witnesses, and the strategic vision to manage both a criminal charge and a high-stakes civil threat simultaneously. I will immerse myself in the details of your operation and the specifics of the veterinary science involved. I will consult with my own network of independent experts to challenge the state’s claims and present the court with a compelling, alternative narrative that supports your innocence. Your defense must be as specialized as the accusation against you.

Getting Ahead of the Financial Catastrophe

The threat of a triple-damages civil lawsuit looms over everything. A passive legal strategy is not an option. From day one, I will be working to mitigate this financial risk. This involves opening lines of communication with the alleged victim’s attorneys to explore a civil compromise, fighting to exclude unreliable evidence of valuation, and preparing to challenge the civil lawsuit at every stage. My goal is not just to win your criminal case, but to protect your financial future from the devastating consequences that a conviction can trigger. You need a lawyer who is thinking about the entire picture, not just the criminal charge.

Credibility in Minnesota’s Agricultural Communities

From the dairy farms near St. Cloud to the poultry operations across the state, I understand that your case will be judged not just in the courtroom, but in the court of public opinion within your community. I have represented clients across Minnesota and know the importance of handling these sensitive cases with discretion and a deep respect for the industries involved. I will build a defense that not only stands up to legal scrutiny but also works to preserve your reputation and standing among your peers, positioning you not as a criminal, but as the victim of an unfortunate and misunderstood situation.

A Strategy Focused on Complete Vindication

My objective is not to simply get you a “deal.” My objective is to achieve the best possible outcome that allows you to put this nightmare behind you and move on with your life and business. This means aiming for a complete dismissal of all charges whenever possible. I prepare every case for trial, meticulously gathering evidence, preparing witnesses, and crafting legal arguments. This aggressive preparation sends a clear message to the prosecutor: we will not be intimidated, and we are ready to fight. Often, this is the very approach that leads to the most favorable resolutions without ever needing to step before a jury.