Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Livestock at Large Banned Under Statute 346.16

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Minn. Stat. 346.16
Species covered: Cattle, horses, mules, sheep, swine, goats
Penalty: Treble (triple) damages
Enforcement: Private civil action
Scope: Statewide

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Minnesota Statutes section 346.16 makes it unlawful for the owner or keeper of cattle, horses, asses, mules, sheep, swine, or goats to let those animals run at large anywhere in the state.

The herding of any animal of the species of cattle, horse, ass, mule, sheep, swine, or goat upon any land over the protest and against the will of the owner shall be deemed a running at large. It shall be unlawful for any owner or any person having the control of any such animal to permit the same to run at large in the state... Any person who shall knowingly permit the running at large of any such domestic animal shall be liable to the person aggrieved for treble damages sustained by the aggrieved person, to be recovered in a civil action brought for that purpose.

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Full Breakdown

Under Minn. Stat. section 346.16, letting cattle, horses, asses, mules, sheep, swine, or goats run at large is prohibited statewide. "Running at large" is defined as herding any such animal onto land over the owner's protest and against the owner's will. Anyone who knowingly permits a covered animal to run at large is liable to the injured party for treble (triple) the damages the animal caused, recoverable in a civil action. The duty is enforced through private lawsuits rather than a state agency, and related sections 561.09 and 609.605 reinforce the owner's obligation to keep livestock confined.

Violations & Penalties

A keeper who knowingly lets covered livestock run at large owes the aggrieved person treble damages for all harm caused, recovered through a civil action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which animals does Minn. Stat. 346.16 cover?

Cattle, horses, asses, mules, sheep, swine, and goats. The statute lists these six species and applies to their owners and keepers statewide.

What can a neighbor recover if my livestock get loose?

If you knowingly permit covered animals to run at large, you are liable for treble (triple) the damages sustained, recoverable in a civil action.

Does the state fine you for animals at large?

Section 346.16 creates civil liability for treble damages to the aggrieved person, not a state-imposed fine; it is enforced through private lawsuits.

Sources

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