MN HF3262

Livestock owners are entitled to fair market value compensation from the commissioner of agriculture for animals destroyed by or so crippled by a gray wolf that they must be destroyed, with no compensation for claims under $100 and a maximum of $20,000 per claim per fiscal year.

A conservation officer, United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service official, or county law enforcement officer must conduct a personal inspection and submit a report to the commissioner documenting the investigation results.

The commissioner determines whether livestock was destroyed by a gray wolf and evaluates the owner's adoption of best management practices, providing an itemized list of any deficiencies noted.

Compensation may only be authorized if the investigating officer or agency recommends payment and the owner files a claim on forms provided by the commissioner through the university extension agent.

Denial of compensation claims is not subject to contested case review procedures but may be appealed through trial de novo in county court within 60 days of receiving the commissioner's written decision.