Minnesota Statute §346.16:

Running at large; defined; prohibited; triple damages

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 [including dogs] 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.

Minnesota Running at Large: Example Case

Plaintiff Rhea was injured by defendant’s horses while on defendant’s property. He sued on the grounds that the horses were permitted by defendant to run at large in violation of a statute. The trial court held the statute did not apply in this situation and the Court of Appeals agreed. It held that the running at large statute does not apply to horses running on their owner’s own property. Rhea v. Lashua WL 31173, 1999

Hurt In A Running At Large Incident?

If you have any questions about the running at large statute, contact our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers today. Our attorneys have years of experience in Minnesota Personal Injury Law and a reputation for aggressive, persuasive representation. Call (612) TSR-TIME.