Title 35 Fish and Game
Chapter 35.01 General Provisions and Definitions
35.01.010 Statements of Tribal Policy and Legislative Intent
Pursuant to the power vested in it by the Constitution of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Tribal Council, recognizing the spiritual, cultural, and economic value of the wildlife and recreation resources of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and Trust Lands held in trust for its members; and recognizing that these are irreplaceable Tribal resources; and recognizing that unregulated use of the wildlife and recreation resources of the Tribe would threaten the political integrity, the economic security, and the health and welfare of the Turtle Mountain Tribe and its members, hereby enacts this Game and Fish Code to ensure proper management of these vital resources.
Further, recognizing that the Turtle Mountain Chippewa people alone have the absolute, inherent, retained sovereign right to use and enjoy its natural resources, and to govern its use by its Members and all others, the Tribal Council, in regulating the wildlife and recreation resources of the Reservation, intends that tribal Members shall be afforded the greatest possible freedom to use and enjoy these resources consistent with the preservation and improvement of these resources for future generations.
Of secondary importance is the policy of permitting the limited use of the wildlife and recreation resources of the Reservation and trust lands by Non-members for the promotion of intercultural education and good will and for the economic benefit of the Tribe as a whole. Recognizing the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tradition of restitution as a remedy for injustices, the Tribal Council hereby declares that this Code is civil in nature and that restitution and other civil penalties shall be the primary remedy for its violation. Criminal sanctions may also be imposed in cases where this Code so provides.
35.01.020 Severability
If any provision of this Code, or the application thereof, is held invalid, the remainder of this Code, or other applications of such provision, shall not be affected.
35.01.030 Definitions
In this Code, unless the context requires another meaning:
(a) "ACTIVITY" means any activity related to recreation or to taking wildlife.
(b) "ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE" means any motorized vehicle designed primarily for recreational purposes and off-road use, and includes two-wheel, three-wheel, and four-wheel vehicles. This definition does not include any vehicle licensed by any state or tribe for travel on public roads.
(c) "ANGLING" means the act or sport of fishing with hook and line.
(d) "AQUATIC WILDLIFE" means all plants and animals whose habitat is in water.
(e) "AUTHORIZED OFFICER" means any designated enforcement officer, any peace officer of the Turtle Mountain Tribe, and any other person authorized by the Turtle Mountain Tribe to enforce this Code.
(f) "BAG LIMIT" means the maximum limit, in number or amount, of a particular species of wildlife, which may lawfully be taken by any one person during a specified period of time.
(g) "BOATING" means traveling upon water in any watercraft or vessel.
(h) "CLOSED AREA" means any area in which entry by persons or vehicles is prohibited.
(i) "DIRECTOR means the Director of Natural Resources, or Turtle Mountain Tribe Game and Fish Department.
(j) "FALCONRY" means the taking of wildlife with birds of prey.
(k) "FIELD TRIAL" means an event or competition of sporting dogs in actual performance.
(l) "FIREARM" means any weapon which propels something through the use of gunpowder.
(m) "FISHING" means the act or sport of taking or attempting to take aquatic wildlife.
(n) "TURLTE MOUNTAIN INDIAN RESERVATION" or "Reservation" means the lands of the Turtle Mountain Tribe within the exterior boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and other lands held in trust for the Tribe or its members under any treaties, agreements, and executive orders in which the Tribe was party to, including, but not excepting:
(1) Treaty with the Sioux, etc. 1825 (at Praire du Chien)
(2) Treaty with the Chippewa – Red Lake and Pembina Bands 1863
(3) Treaty with the Chippewa – Red Lake and Pembina Bands 1864
(4) Turtle Mountain Chippewa Agreement of 1892 (McCumber Agreement)
(5) Turtle Mountain Chippewa Agreement of 1904
(6) Allotment Provisions on Grahams Island, ND of 1906
(7) Executive Order of December 21, 1882
(8) Executive Order of March 29, 1884
(9) Executive Order of June 3, 1884
(o) "GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT" means designated resource management section of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Natural Resource Department.
(p) "GUIDE" means a person who, for pay or other remuneration, aids or assists any person in taking wildlife, or pursuing any other recreational activity.
(q) "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE OR MATERIAL" means any substance defined as hazardous by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., or any other substance which, after release into the environment, is or may become injurious, either directly or indirectly, to any organism.
(r) "HUNTING PERMIT" means a permit issued by the Game and Fish Department for the taking of animals.
(s) "INDIAN" means any person of Indian descent who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe according to the laws of that Tribe, and any other person recognized by federal law as Indian for any purpose, and denotes both the singular and the plural.
(t) "MEMBER" means a person who is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
(u) "MOTORIZED VEHICLE" means any vehicle propelled by motor or engine.
(v) "NON-MEMBER" means a person who is not an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
(w) "NON-MEMBER INDIAN" means a person who is a member of any federally recognized Indian tribe other than the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
(x) "OPEN SEASON" means the time during which a particular species of wildlife may be lawfully taken.
(y) "PICNIC" means a pleasure outing where food is eaten outdoors.
(z) "RANGER" means a peace officer of the Recreation Enterprise or the Game and Fish Department authorized to enforce the provisions of this Code and the Game and Fish Regulations.
(aa) "RECREATION PERMIT" means any permit, including camping permits issued by the Department of Natural Resources for any recreational use of Tribal lands.
(bb) "RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY" means any outdoor activity intended for sport or pleasure, including, but not limited to, picnicking, camping, boating, tubing, hiking, bicycling, and skiing; but not including hunting or any other taking of wildlife.
(cc) "RECREATIONAL AREA" means all portions of the Reservation except for communities, public roads and other areas specially set aside for other than for recreational purposes.
(dd) "RECREATIONAL USER" means any person engaged in a Recreational Activity.
(ee) "ROAD" means any federal, state, county or tribal right of way for public travel, and any tribal logging road, whether open or closed.
(ff) "SWIMMING" means propelling oneself in the water by natural means and includes, but is not limited to, diving, jumping, and floating.
(gg) "TAKING" means pursuing, shooting, shooting at, hunting, trapping, netting, snaring, fishing, killing, capturing, or attempting any of the foregoing.
(hh) "TRAPPING" means the taking of wildlife in any manner except with gun or other implement in hand.
(ii) "TRESPASSER" means a person who enters or remains upon the land of another without permission or right to do so created by the possessor's consent or otherwise.
(jj) "TRIBAL COUNCIL" means the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribal Council duly assembled.
(kk) "TRIBAL COURT" or "COURT" means the courts of the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
(ll) "TRIBAL MEMBER" means a person who is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
(mm) "TRIBE" means the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
(nn) "WATERCRAFT" means any boat or other floating device of rigid or inflatable construction that is designed to carry people or things on the water.
(oo) "WILDLIFE" means all plants, animals, and other natural items. The following definitions of wildlife shall apply:
(1) "BIG GAME" are wild turkey, whitetail and mule deer, elk, bear, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, pronghorn antelope, and moose.
(2) "FURBEARING ANIMALS" are muskrat, raccoon, mink, beaver, badger, weasel, fox, skunk, coyote, and bobcat.
(3) "MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS" are ducks, goose, swan, sand hill crane, all coots, common snipe, and dove.
(4) "SMALL GAME" are rabbit, squirrel, upland game birds, and migratory game birds.
(5) "UPLAND GAME BIRDS" are partridge, grouse, and pheasant.
Chapter 35.02 Authority of the Game and Fish Department
35.02.010 General Powers and Duties of the Game and Fish Department
In order to administer the laws of the Tribe relating to conservation and management of wildlife and recreation resources the Game and Fish Department shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Make such rules and regulations and establish such services, as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Code, subject to the approval of the Tribal Council.
(b) Recommend to the Tribal Council broad policies and long-range programs for the management and preservation of wildlife and other Tribal recreational resources.
(c) Issue Recreational Permits, watercraft permits, licenses to take wildlife, and other permits and licenses for use of the Tribal lands and resources.
(d) Establish hunting and fishing regulations, and prescribe the manner and methods, which may be used in taking wildlife, subject to the approval of the Tribal Council.
(e) Establish and publish Non-member Regulations, subject to the approval of the Tribal Council.
(f) Be responsible for the enforcement of laws, including setting fines and civil penalties, for the protection of wildlife and other Tribal recreational resources.
(g) Establish rewards or bounties for information leading to the identification and prosecution of violators of this Code.
(h) Prescribe qualifications, training, grades and salary schedules for Department employees.
(i) Provide for the assembly and distribution of information to the public relating to wildlife and other Tribal recreational resources.
(j) Assist in search and rescue operations.
(k) Conduct investigations, inquiries or hearings as necessary to enforce this Code.
(l) Establish game management units, refuges or Closed Areas for the preservation and management of wildlife, with the approval of the Tribal Council. Such units, refuges or Closed Areas shall be clearly marked with signs.
(m) Construct and operate game farms, fish hatcheries, fishing lakes, or other facilities for or relating to the management, preservation or propagation of wildlife.
(n) Provide training to the public in hunting safety and the safe handling of firearms.
(o) Purchase, sell or barter wildlife for the purpose of stocking tribal lands and waters.
(p) Use wildlife for research or other educational purposes.
(q) Enter into intergovernmental agreements, including cross-deputization agreements, with tribal, federal, state or local governments and their political subdivisions, or enter into agreements with private entities, subject to Tribal Council approval.
(r) Prescribe seasons, bag limits, possession limits and other regulations pertaining to the taking of wildlife, with the approval of the Tribal Council.
(s) Bring suit in the name of the Tribe against any person, entity, or organization, including public entities, to restrain or enjoin them from violating this Code or destroying or polluting Tribal resources.
(t) Exercise such additional powers and duties as are necessary to fully carry out the provisions of this Code.
35.02.020 Department Publications
The Department shall prepare and, as often as necessary, revise publications, which provide the public with information on recreation permits, seasons, bag limits, closed areas, fines and penalties, and other Department regulations. The Department shall make these publications available to the public through all permit dealers, at the Department office, and at such other places as it may designate.
35.02.030 Director; Appointment
The Tribal Council shall employ a General Manager, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the Department. The General Manager shall be selected on the basis of administrative ability and general knowledge of wildlife and recreation resource management and conservation.
Chapter 35.03 Permits
35.03.010 Permits; Requirements
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this Code, no person shall take or attempt to take any wildlife or engage in any Recreational Activity regulated by this Code on the Turtle Mountain Indian reservation and trust lands unless such person has in his or her personal possession a valid Tribal Hunting or Recreation Permit authorizing that activity.
(b) No person required to obtain a Hunting or Recreation Permit pursuant to Subsection (a) shall fail or refuse to exhibit such permit(s) when asked to do so by an Authorized Officer.
(c) No refunds shall be made on Recreational Permits.
(d) Recreational Permits are neither transferable nor assignable.
(e) Unless stated otherwise, all permits expire at the end of the calendar year.
(f) No hunting or fishing licenses or permits issued by any State shall be required on the Reservation or Tribal and Individual trust lands
(g) The Department may issue a duplicate Recreation Permit, provided that the person requesting such duplicate permit furnishes such information as may be reasonably required. The Department may collect a fee for each duplicate Recreation Permit issued.
(h) The Department may refuse to issue a Recreation Permit or Hunting Permit to any Non-member for any reason.
35.03.020 Permit Agreement Form
(a) Any persons to whom a Hunting or Recreation Permit is issued by the Department shall be required to sign a Permit Agreement before any such permit shall be valid. The Agreement shall be in substantially the same form as provided in Subsection (b) below. The applicant in the presence of the permit dealer who issued the permit, or his agent shall sign the form.
(b) Permit Agreement Form:
I, hereby agree that the following terms and conditions govern my use of the permit, my presence on the Turtle Mountain Reservation or Tribal or Individual Trust Lands, and my use of Tribal resources and services:
(1) I agree to obey all Tribal laws and regulations.
(2) I consent to the jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Tribal Court as the forum for the resolution of any civil disputes, which arise from my presence and/or use of Tribal resources and/or services.
(3) I understand that permission for me to enter Turtle Mountain Indian reservation is conditioned on my observance of Tribal laws and regulations and that violation of such laws and regulations makes me a trespasser and may subject me to arrest, tribal and federal court action, expulsion from the Reservation, and seizure of property as security for payment of potential financial obligations to the Tribe.
(4) I understand that permits are required for all Recreational Activities and for taking wildlife on the Reservation.
(5) I understand that the willful use of Tribal resources or services contrary to the terms of Tribal law or regulation constitutes theft of Tribal assets and is a violation of Tribal and federal law.
(6) I agree to be bound by the penalties and liquidated damages provisions of Tribal law in the event that I am found liable to the Turtle Mountain Tribe for violations of Tribal law.
I have read and understand the above terms and agree to be bound by them.
___________________________ ____________ Signature of Permittee Date
35.03.030 Permit Dealers; Bond
(a) Hunting, fishing, and Recreation Permits shall be prepared by the Department and furnished to permit dealers. Such permits shall be available to the public from these dealers. Permit dealers shall sell permits only as authorized by this Code.
(b) Permit dealers shall provide a bond to the Tribe in an amount set by the Department to protect the interests of the Tribe, and the permit dealer shall pay the premiums on such bonds.
(c) No later than January 30th of each year, permit dealers shall provide the Department with a report of permits sold during the previous calendar year. Such reports shall contain the following information:
(1) The total number of permits sold;
(2) The total amount of money collected for the sale of all permits;
(3) The number of permits sold by category.
(4) Such other information, which may be reasonably requested by the Department.
(d) All permits in a permit dealer's possession shall be returned to the Department within ten (10) days of a written request by the Department or as otherwise directed by the Department.
(e) With Tribal Council approval, the Department may promulgate other rules and regulations, which shall apply to permit dealers.
(f) Permit dealers who violate any provision of this Code may have their dealer's licenses suspended or revoked, after notice and hearing, and may, in addition, be subject to a Class Two Civil Penalty or criminal sanctions.
35.03.040 Guides
(a) No person without guide prior to permit shall act as a Guide for activities including, but not limited to, canoeing trips, fishing trips, hiking or backpacking trips, or hunting big game, small game and waterfowl hunting.
(b) Any person wishing to serve as a Guide shall be at least 21 years of age and shall submit an application to the Department on forms to be provided by the Department. In addition, all applicants shall submit to interviews as requested by the Department, and shall submit affidavits or other proof of competence to guide as requested by the Department.
(c) No later than January 30th of each year, Guides shall provide the Department with a report of all guide activities that took place for the previous calendar year. Such report shall contain the following information:
(1) The total number of persons guided;
(2) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons guided;
(3) The number and species of wildlife taken by each person guided;
(4) The total number of days a Guide has guided;
(5) The total number of days a Guide has guided off the Reservation, and where the guiding was conducted;
(6) The number and species of wildlife taken by all persons guided;
(7) Such other information that may be reasonably requested by the Department.
(d) No persons acting as a Guide shall carry firearms other than a pistol.
(e) With Tribal Council approval, the Department may promulgate other rules and regulations, which shall apply to Guides.
(f) Guides who violate any provision of this Code may have their Guide licenses suspended or revoked, after notice and hearing; and may, in addition, be subject to a Class Three Civil Penalty or criminal sanctions.
35.03.050 Special Licenses and Permits
(a) With Tribal Council approval, the Department may issue special permits for collecting or holding wildlife, for conducting Field Trials, or for any other recreational, educational or scientific purpose.
(b) Upon the request of the Department, any person who has been issued a special license or permit pursuant to this section shall submit a written report to the Department outlining all activities undertaken, including, where applicable:
(1) The dates of all activities;
(2) The methods and means of taking or collecting wildlife or data;
(3) The use or uses for which the wildlife or data was collected;
(4) The benefits to the Tribe or to the general public of the activities and uses of wildlife or data collected;
(5) Any other information requested by the Director.
35.03.060 Taxidermy
(a) Taxidermy Licensing.
It shall be unlawful for any person to practice taxidermy commercially within the boundaries of the Reservation without having first obtained a taxidermist permit from the Director. The Director shall in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribe the issuance of a permit under this section.
(b) A taxidermist licensed under this subchapter may sell a client's unclaimed, legally taken wildlife if:
(1) At least two written notices of intent to sell are sent to the client;
(2) Two months have past since completion of the mounting, tanning, processing or the end of the storage period;
(3) The amount realized by the sale of a mount is not to exceed the original quoted price stated in writing, less any deposit received;
(4) The sale is otherwise in compliance with other provisions regarding the sale of wildlife or parts thereof found in this chapter.
(c) Taxidermist licensed under this Subchapter shall:
(1) Upon receiving wildlife or fish for mounting, tanning, storage or processing, record the owner's name and address, date received, location where the animal was taken, the species and number of said fish or wildlife, the quoted price for the taxidermy work and any other information as required by the Department;
(2) Tag each specimen or otherwise mark each specimen in such a way as to be readily identifiable as to ownership;
(3) Maintain records of any unclaimed wildlife which were resold to someone other than the client from which the wildlife was originally obtained including: date of sale, amount of sale and the name and address of the person purchasing the mount;
(4) Not transport or ship any animal or parts thereof without keeping the following record: number and kind of animal or parts shipped, the date shipped, how it was shipped and the name and address of who it was shipped to;
(5) Maintain the records required by this section at the business address of the taxidermist for a three (3) year period.
(d) All records and wildlife held pursuant to this Subchapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this Subchapter must be open to inspection by a conservation officer or other duly authorized Department employee at reasonable times.
(e) The license of any taxidermist or any employee of said taxidermist who is convicted of a violation of this Subchapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this Subchapter or of any Tribal, State, or Federal Fish and Wildlife law shall be subject to revocation by the Director.
35.03.070 Importation of Animals
(a) Unlawful Importations of Animals.
Unless modified by rule or regulation, no person shall import to the reservation or possess or release within the boundaries of the Reservation, without first obtaining a permit to do so from the Director or his designee, any live:
(1) Deer;
(2) Wild Horses;
(3) Wild Pigs;
(4) Antelope;
(5) Elk;
(6) Species of birds, mammals, reptiles or fish whether native or planted that are normally classified as "wildlife"; or
(7) Any hybrid of the above listed animals.
(b) Application for Permit.
(1) The Director may issue a permit under this subchapter pursuant to the conditions established by the Director and once the person applying for the permit:
(2) Provides the genus and species of the animal(s) and the number of each to be imported to the reservation or released or possessed and the name and address(es) of any persons(s) the animals were originally obtained from;
(3) Identifies the lands on which the animals will be kept and demonstrates that such lands are secure and adequate to meet the health and social needs of the permitted animals and to protect wildlife resources and domestic livestock production located on the reservation;
(4) Provides proof that the applicant has sufficient skill, and experience to properly maintain and care for the permitted animals; and
(5) Obtains a health certificate from a qualified veterinarian, which certifies that the permitted animals are free from any contagious or infectious diseases and parasites. Any testing, quarantine, etc. necessary to obtain this certificate shall be done at the expense of the permittee.
(6) Issuance of a permit under this section shall authorize employees of the Department or its designee to inspect all facilities, records, animals and other property related to the permitted operation. These inspections may take place without warrant or prior notice.
(c) Sale, Trade or Other Disposition of Permitted Animals.
No person may sell, trade, give away or otherwise dispose of any animal or parts there from permitted pursuant to this Subchapter unless the person receiving such animals holds a valid permit pursuant to this Subchapter for the species involved or as otherwise authorized by the Director.
(d) Records.
Any permittee under this Subchapter shall maintain accurate records that list the following:
(1) An updated list of the genus and species of the animal(s) and the number of each imported or released, possessed or born within the boundaries of the Reservation;
(2) If imported, the name and address(es) of any person(s) the animals were originally obtained from;
(3) The number of each species in his possession which are harvested or other wise killed and the disposition of those animals whether sold, traded or given away or otherwise disposed of, and the name and address of any persons receiving these animals or parts there from and the dates of such transactions.
Chapter 35.04 Recreational Activities
35.04.010 Non-Member Recreation Permits Required
A Recreation Permit is required for all non-member recreation within the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and Tribal and Individual Trust Lands.
35.04.020 Regulation of Motorized Vehicles
(a) Operation by Non-members of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) is prohibited.
(b) No person shall operate any motorized vehicle within the Reservation unless such vehicle is currently licensed by a state or Indian tribe for unrestricted highway use. This provision shall apply to Tribal Government or Department vehicles used for Tribal purposes, or to vehicles operated by Members.
(c) No person shall operate any motorized vehicle for purposes governed by this document except on designated roads. This provision shall not apply to:
(1) Tribal or federal employees acting within the scope of their employment;
(2) Persons with special permits who are acting within the conditions of the permit;
(3) Necessary travel by employees and agents of public utilities, or suppliers of water or power acting as agents of the federal government. Other persons who are regularly engaged in forestry, prospecting or mineral exploration shall, upon application, be issued vehicular access permits by the Department;
(4) A hunter with a hunting permit who enters an area solely to pick up a big game animal which he or she has legally killed;
(5) Emergency situations, such as fire or other disasters, or when otherwise necessary to protect life or property.
(d) If the Department determines that the operation of motorized vehicles in a certain area may be harmful to wildlife, the Department may order the area closed to motorized vehicles for a period of time as approved by the Tribal Council. The Department shall post notices on the main roads entering such Closed Areas and at other locations as the Department deems appropriate.
(e) The Department may designate particular areas of land to be available for off-road use by motorized vehicles, with the approval of the Tribal Council.
(f) Violation of this section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
35.04.030 Fishing
See Chapter Five, Section 35.05.060.
35.04.040 Camping
(a) Permits
(1) Any Non-member camping or occupying a campsite shall first purchase a camping permit. One permit is required for each vehicle.
(2) Members shall not be required to obtain camping permits.
(3) Camping permits are required in addition to any other permits required by this Code for the other activities in which campers may engage, and are not substitutes for such other permits.
(b) Regulations.
(1) No person shall camp in other than a campsite designated by the Department.
(2) Except as specifically authorized in writing by the Department, campfires shall be permitted only in designated campsites.
(3) No person shall camp within one-quarter mile of a wildlife or livestock watering hole, or in any area, which is posted as a "No Camping" area.
(c) Violation of this section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
35.04.050 Picnicking
(a) Permits.
(1) Any Non-member who intends to picnic shall first purchase a Recreation Permit. One permit is required for each vehicle.
(2) A Recreation Permit for picnicking is not required when a member of the family or group of up to three unrelated persons possesses any other current and valid Recreation Permit or hunting license. (i.e., fishing permit, camping permit).
(3) Members shall not be required to purchase a Recreation Permit for picnicking.
(4) Picnicking is allowed only in designated areas.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
35.04.060 Hiking
(a) Permits.
(1) Any Non-member who intends to hike shall first purchase a Recreation Permit. One permit is required for each vehicle.
(2) Hiking is permitted in designated areas only. There shall be no hiking by Non-members in Closed Areas.
(3) Members shall not be required to purchase a Recreation Permit for hiking.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class One Civil Offense, except that entry onto any Closed Area shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
35.04.070 Watercraft
(a) Non-members who operate watercraft shall first purchase a valid watercraft permit.
(b) Watercraft permits shall be valid only during the calendar year issued and only for the designated watercraft for which issued. Annual permit stickers shall be attached to the designated watercraft.
(c) There are no restrictions for engine use for watercraft operated on waters within the (?), unless otherwise prescribed by Department rules and regulations.
(d) Areas restricted to watercraft use will be clearly marked, i.e. beach and swimming areas.
(e) Members are not required to obtain watercraft permits to operate watercraft.
(f) Violation of this section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
35.04.080 Other Recreational Activities
(a) All other recreational uses of Tribal lands and resources not specifically listed above or in Department rules and regulations shall require the written permission of the Department and/or the purchase of a Recreation Permit.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
35.04.090 Prohibited Activities; Property
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.
(1) Mutilating, defacing, disturbing, injuring, damaging or destroying any natural item, including but not limited to wildlife, rocks, stones, fossils, or other property of the Turtle Mountain Tribe, including fences and Department property;
(2) Removing any natural item, including but not limited to wildlife, rocks, stones, fossils, or other property of the Turtle Mountain Tribe, including fences and Department property;
(3) Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any paleontological, prehistoric, historic or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property.
(4) Removing any paleontological, prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact or property;
(5) Destroying, removing, injuring or cutting any green tree, dead tree, or other firewood on the Reservation without written authorization; provided, however, that Members may cut wood pursuant to regulations set by the Forestry Department and the Tribal Council.
(6) Causing a fire other than a campfire.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
35.04.100 Prohibited Activities; Occupation and Use
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful
(1) Building, attending, maintaining or using a fire outside of a stove, grill, fireplace or fire ring;
(2) Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fire-work or other pyrotechnic device not within the designated time period for use of such;
(3) Failing to remove all camping equipment or personal property when vacating an area or site;
(4) Occupying any portion of a recreation site for other than recreation purposes;
(5) Occupying a place designated for day use only between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
(6) Entering or remaining in a camping area between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except to camp or visit a person who is camping;
(7) Moving any campground equipment without the owner's consent;
(8) Placing, maintaining, or using camping equipment except in a place specifically designated or provided for such equipment;
(9) Cleaning or washing any food, personal property, fish or other animal, or bathing or washing at a hydrant or water faucet not provided for that purpose;
(10) Operating or using in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over an adjacent body of water without a permit, any device which produces noise, such as a radio, television, musical instrument, motor or engine in such a manner and at such a time so as to unreasonably disturb any person;
(11) Operating or using a public address system, whether fixed, portable or vehicle mounted, in or near a campsite or developed recreation site, or over an adjacent body of water without written permission from the Department;
(12) Posting, placing, or erecting any paper, notice, advertising material, sign, or similar matter without written permission from the Department;
(13) Placing a vehicle or other object in such a manner that it is an impediment or hazard to the safety or convenience of any person;
(14) Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions;
(15) Being publicly nude;
(16) Possessing or using a pack outfit on the Reservation without a camping permit or written permission from the Department;
(17) Entering a Closed Area;
(18) Entering any Special Use Area without a proper Special Use Permit.
(b) Violation of Subsection (a) Shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
(c) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful:
(1) Allowing any unleashed dog or dog on a leash longer than 8 feet to roam within any campground, or populated or public area;
(2) Depositing any body waste except into receptacles provided for that purpose;
(3) Abandoning any personal property;
(4) Abandoning or leaving a fire unattended;
(5) Using any pesticide except for personal use as an insect repellent or as allowed with written permission by the Department.
(d) Violation of Subsection (c) shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
(e) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.
(1) Disobeying a lawful order of an Authorized Officer. In addition, any able bodied person who, without good reason, refuses to render assistance when summoned by an Authorized Officer to suppress range or forest fires within the Reservation, shall, pursuant to Section 35.06.270, forfeit all rights, privileges, leases and permits granted by the Tribe.
(2) Discharging a firearm or using any pyrotechnic device:
(3) In or within one quarter mile of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or
(4) Across or on a roadway, or within one quarter mile of a roadway, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge or use.
(f) Violation Subsection (e) shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
35.04.110 Prohibited Activities; Sanitation
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful:
(1) Placing in or near a stream, lake, or other water any substance, which does or may pollute a stream, lake, or other water;
(2) Failing to dispose of all garbage, including any paper, can, bottle, sewage, waste water or material, or rubbish either by removal from the site or area, or by depositing it into receptacles or at places provided for such purposes;
(3) Depositing in any toilet, toilet vault, or plumbing fixture any substance which could damage or interfere with the operation or maintenance of the fixture;
(4) Possessing or leaving refuse, debris, or litter in an exposed or unsanitary condition. In addition, if the substance is a petroleum product or any hazardous material, the penalty shall be up to $1,000 plus all clean-up costs;
(5) Dumping any refuse, debris, trash or litter brought as such from off the Reservation. In addition, if the substance is a petroleum product or any hazardous material, the penalty shall be up to $1,000 plus all clean-up costs.
(b) Except as otherwise provided, violation of this section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
Chapter 35.05 Taking and Handling Wildlife
35.05.010 Taking and Handling of Wildlife Allowed Only as Permitted by Code
(a) No person shall take or attempt to take, possess, molest, harass, transport, buy, sell or offer for sale any wildlife, or parts thereof, in any manner except as permitted by this Code.
(b) For the purpose of this section, "attempt" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 35.06.070(b).
(c) Except as otherwise provided, violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
(d) The Civil Penalties provided for in this chapter shall be in addition to the Liquidated Damages penalty.
35.05.020 Non-Member Spouses of Tribal Members
Non-members married to Members shall have no special hunting or fishing privileges by reason of such marriage, except as may be provided by this code or approved by the Tribal Council.
35.05.030 Possession of Animal Parts
(a) No person shall possess, purchase or sell any animal parts, including but not limited to claws, paws, hooves and antlers except as permitted below. Possession of wildlife unlawfully obtained anywhere is unlawful.
(b) The carcass, or parts of the carcass, of wildlife lawfully obtained may be possessed by the person who took such wildlife, and may be placed in storage in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(c) A person may make a gift of the carcass or parts of the carcass of lawfully obtained wildlife, or may have it prepared in a public eating-place and served to himself or herself and guests.
(d) The tagged heads, horns, and antlers of lawfully taken wildlife, or the treated or mounted wildlife specimens such as mounted heads or hides or skin of lawfully taken wildlife, or the shed antlers from whitetail deer, mule deer, or elk, may be possessed or sold by any person, except that only Members may collect or pick-up shed antlers. Members may collect shed antlers only at such times and locations and in compliance with such other regulations as the Department establishes.
(e) Any untagged heads, horns, or antlers, other than shed antlers, remain the property of the Tribe and will be immediately confiscated by the Department. An inventory list of all confiscated skins, hides, animal parts, antlers, heads or horns shall be prepared.
(f) Anyone buying antlers or other wildlife parts must first obtain a Tribal Business License and notify the Department. Shed antlers may be purchased only during the dates when Members are permitted to collect shed antlers. Within ten days of the end of each month the buyer shall provide a report to the Department of each transaction in the prior month including:
(1) The seller's name and address;
(2) A description of items purchased;
(3) The quantity of items purchased (in weight or number);
(4) The vehicle license number of the sellers;
(5) The date of each purchase.
(g) Migratory game birds and parts thereof may be possessed and transported only in accordance with federal regulations, 50 C.F.R. part 20.
(h) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
35.05.040 Transporting and Processing Legally Taken Game
(a) All legally taken wildlife shall be transported in such a manner that Tribally Authorized Officers may inspect it upon request.
(b) A person who has legally killed a big game animal shall attach to the animal transportation tags provided with each permit in such a manner as prescribed by the Department. No person shall possess more than one bag or possession limit of any species of wildlife, except for the purpose of transportation.
(c) No person shall deliver for transportation to any common carrier, and no common carrier shall transport any wildlife except as follows:
(1) Wildlife may be shipped during the open season, or within two weeks thereafter, but such shipment shall not exceed the possession limit for any one species, and no more than one such possession limit may be shipped in a period of seven consecutive days;
(2) When shipped, a valid transportation permit shall be firmly attached to such shipment and the shipment shall be clearly and conspicuously labeled with the name and address of the consignor and consignee and an accurate statement of the contents of package.
(d) Commercial food establishments processing or storing wildlife shall stamp all packages containing such wildlife as derived from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and such packages shall be marked with the date received or processed. The operator of such an establishment shall keep a record of the names and addresses of persons who furnish such wildlife for processing or storage, and the date, amount, and species of such wildlife received, and shall exhibit such record to an agent of the Department upon request.
(e) Violation of this section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
35.05.050 Areas Closed to Hunting and Fishing
(a) No persons shall carry, transport or possess devices for taking wildlife within or upon a refuge or area closed to hunting and fishing, except as may be authorized by the Department in writing.
(b) No person shall remove or drive, or attempt to take or drive wildlife from areas closed to hunting and fishing, except as may be authorized by the Department in writing.
(c) This section shall not apply to Authorized Officers in the performance of official duties, nor to persons crossing the Reservation on state highways carrying firearms.
(d) This section shall not prohibit a lessee, permitee, or his or her family or an employee of the Tribe or federal government or a trapper or hunter licensed by the Tribe from carrying firearms pursuant to the rights and duties of such lease, permit or license.
(e) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
35.05.060 Fishing
(a) Permits
(1) Any Non-member who fishes or intends to fish shall first purchase a Fishing Permit and shall comply with this Code and the Non-member Regulations issued by the Department.
(2) No fishing Permit is required for any person under fourteen (14) years of age that is accompanied by an adult fishing permit holder or tribal member.
(3) Fishing Permits shall not be required for Members.
(b) Bait
There will be no restrictions on bait unless otherwise specified by the Department.
(c) Fish may be taken by angling only unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Department.
(d) Use of nets, of any type, to trap fish is prohibited.
(e) Gaffing is legal for members only during time period set by the Department.
(f) Violation of this section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for Liquidated Damages.
35.05.070 Hunting Big Game
(a) Any person who hunts or intends to hunt big game on the reservation shall first purchase a Big Game Hunting Permit for each species, if available for that year, and shall comply with this Code and the hunting regulations issued by the Department.
(b) A minor between the ages of fourteen (14) and seventeen (17) inclusive may hunt big game only if said minor has obtained a valid permit, and is accompanied by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older. In addition, no minor under the age of fourteen (14) years of age may hunt big game unless said minor has completed a hunter's safety course conducted by the Department or the State of North Dakota and is at least fourteen (14) years of age.
(c) Violation of this section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for Liquidated Damages.
35.05.080 Hunting Small Game
(a) Any person who hunts or intends to hunt small game shall first purchase a Small Game Hunting Permit for each species, if available for that year and shall comply with this Code. A minor with a valid permit may hunt small game if accompanied by an adult holding a valid permit for that activity.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for Liquidated Damages
35.05.090 Trapping
(a) Any person who traps or intends to trap shall first purchase a Trapping Permit, if available for that year, and shall comply with this Code and the regulations issued by the Department.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for Liquidated Damages.
(1) Trapping Methods. It is unlawful to:
(2) Keep live fur bearing animals alive after they have been taken. Such animals taken during the open season for such species shall be killed immediately and made part of the daily bag.
(3) Place a trap, bait or scent for fur bearing animals during the closed season.
(4) Set any trap unless such trap has a metal tag attached, stamped with the name and address of the owner.
(5) Molest or appropriate the traps or trapped animals of someone else.
(6) Operate more than seventy-five (75) traps for fur bearing animals.
(7) Disturb or molest any mink den, muskrat house, and muskrat feeding house, beaver house or beaver dam.
(8) Place on the ice, any artificial house or den for the purpose of catching any fur bearing animals.
(9) Use or possess bait-containing poison of any description a field.
(10) Trap with bait exposed to view.
(11) Except when the muskrat and mink season is open, place or operate any water set smaller than 5 1/2" jaw spread for steel jaw traps and 8" x 8" of killer traps of the conibear type during the beaver season.
(12) Set place or operate any steel-jawed trap with a spread width of more than 8 inches.
(13) Operate trap sets, which permit the trapped animal to reach water, except during the muskrat, beaver and mink trapping seasons.
(14) Set any trap on any perch more than three (3) feet above the ground.
(15) Set, place, or operate, except as a water set, any killer trap of the conibear type that is larger than 7" x 7" or any steel-jawed trap with teeth.
(16) Set any trap closer than fifty (50) feet of any beaver house or dam. However, during the open season for beaver, traps may be set within 15 feet of a beaver house or dam.
(17) Fail to check all dry land sets and remove animals therein at least once each day.
(c) Animals Protected at All Times.
(1) Timber wolf
(2) Canada lynx
(3) Mountain Lion
(4) Any other species that is listed endangered or threatened species or a candidate species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
(d) Any person who violates this section shall forfeit not more than $5,000.00 ($50.00 deposit permitted).
35.05.100 Accidental Trapping
(a) Any person who captures a non-target or protected animal shall immediately release the animal.
(b) In the event the captured animal is killed while in the trap, said animal shall be left in the trap and the Tribal Game Warden shall be notified within 24 hours for instructions of disposal.
(c) Injured non-target or protected animals that are captured shall be immediately reported to the Department who may transport the injured animal to the nearest rehabilitation facility.
35.05.110 Waterfowl Hunting
(a) Any person hunting waterfowl must possess a Federal Waterfowl Stamp
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for Liquidated Damages.
35.05.120 Duty to Report Shooting Accident Resulting in Injury or Death; Duty to Give Assistance
(a) Any person who, while taking wildlife, is involved in a shooting accident resulting in injury to any person shall render all possible assistance to the injured person, and shall immediately report the accident to the nearest law enforcement officer after rendering such assistance.
(b) Such person shall within ten days of the accident file a written report with the Department of such accident.
(c) Violation of this section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense.
35.05.130 Property Damage by Wildlife; Investigation by Department
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.13, any person suffering property damage from wildlife may exercise all reasonable measures to alleviate such damage except that reasonable measures shall not include removing, injuring or killing any game animals, fur bearing animals, predatory animals or birds.
(b) Any person suffering property damage from wildlife may file a written request for assistance with the Department describing the damage suffered and the species of animals causing such damage. The Department shall order an investigation by an employee trained in handling wildlife depredations and provide the technical advice and assistance deemed necessary by the Department.
(c) If removal of animals is found to be necessary to prevent further damage, the Director may order any action deemed reasonably necessary by the Department to stop or restrain such wildlife depredation.
35.05.140 Hazardous or Nuisance Animals in Campgrounds, Etc.; Report; Abatement Plan; Protection of Persons
(a) An Authorized Officer may use whatever means are reasonably necessary to prevent injury to persons or property from wild animals creating a nuisance or hazard at a camping or other public use area. No animal shall be killed, except to protect persons who are in immediate danger, or as provided in an Abatement Plan pursuant to Subsection (c) of this section.
(b) An Authorized Officer who learns of or is involved in an incident involving nuisance or hazardous animals in a camping or other public use area shall file a written Animal Nuisance/Hazard Report with the Department describing the species of the animal, the date, time, and location of the incident, and the nature of the hazard or nuisance.
(c) The Department, upon receipt of an Animal Nuisance/Hazard Report, shall order an investigation and report by an employee trained in the handling of animal depredations. If the Department determines that the nuisance or hazard is likely to be of a continuing or repetitious nature, it shall formulate a written Animal Nuisance/Hazard Abatement Plan to remedy the nuisance or hazard and shall implement the plan.
(d) An Abatement Plan formulated pursuant to this section may authorize the trapping, tagging, moving, or killing of any hazardous or nuisance animals to protect property or public safety.
(e) No animal trapped pursuant to this section shall be kept in captivity for longer than is necessary to tag and transport the animal to another area for release.
(f) Any animal killed pursuant to this section shall be disposed of pursuant to the provisions of Section 35.05.150, and except as provided in that Section, no person shall retain any part of such animal.
(g) After an Abatement Plan has been implemented, the Department shall prepare and file a report on the methods used and the final results, including the disposition of any animal killed pursuant to the plan.
(h) Any person may use any means reasonably necessary, including killing an animal, to protect a person who is in immediate danger of being injured by such animal. Any person who kills an animal pursuant to this section shall leave the animal where it falls and, within three hours of such killing, report the incident to the Department.
35.05.150 Injured Animals; Taking by Authorized Personnel; Disposition; Display
(a) If an Authorized Officer learns that an animal has been injured to such a degree that it is unlikely that the animal will recover from its injury, the officer shall, as soon as possible, describe the animal, its injury, and its location to the Department, which may order that the animal be shot and killed. If the animal's location is such that it is not possible for the officer to obtain authorization within a reasonable time, the officer may kill the animal, and then comply with the other provisions of this section.
(b) Any animal killed pursuant to Subsection (a) shall be transported to the Department biologist, who shall gather such data and make such tests upon the animal as he or she deems necessary.
(c) After the provisions of Subsection (b) have been complied with, an Authorized Officer shall transport all useful parts of the animal to a public institution or charitable organization for its use, or, if so ordered by the Director, have the animal mounted and displayed for public education in the Department office.
(d) The officer who killed the animal shall file a report on the incident providing a brief description of his or her compliance with this section.
(e) Any employee or agent of the Department who sells any part from any animal killed shall promptly make a record of the monies received and transfer the monies immediately to the Tribal Business Office.
35.05.160 Prohibited Devices
(a) Possession or use of any of the following devices within a Recreational Area shall be unlawful:
(1) Any explosive, incendiary or poison gas including but not limited to a bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, or mine;
(2) Any device designed, made or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm;
(3) Any firearm that is capable of shooting more than one shot automatically by a single function of the trigger without manual reloading;
(4) Any rifle, with a barrel length of less than sixteen inches, or shotgun with a barrel length of less than eighteen inches, or firearm made from a rifle or shotgun which, as modified, has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches;
(5) Any breakable container which contains a flammable liquid with a flash point of one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or less and has a wick or similar device capable of being ignited;
(6) Any cross-bow, except for use by an Authorized Officer, or disabled person;
(7) Any magazine capable of holding more than five rounds of ammunition;
(8) Any night vision scope or other night vision apparatus, except for use by an Authorized Officer;
(9) Any combination of parts or materials designed and intended for use in making or converting a device into an item set forth in Subsection (a)(1) or (a)(5) of this section.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense.
35.05.170 Prohibited Activities; Taking Wildlife
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are:
(1) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife, except fish and bullfrogs, from within or upon, or by using any method within, upon or attached to a vehicle, aircraft, boat or other watercraft;
(2) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife, except raccoons, fish and bullfrogs, between the hours of 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise;
(3) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife through the use of an artificial light, saltlick or any explosive, corrosive, poisonous or stupefying substance;
(4) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife, except water dogs or bullfrogs, through the use of a net;
(5) Using any wildlife or part thereof as bait in taking any Wildlife, except the inedible parts of fish, if used as bait for hunting bear and fishing, unless otherwise prohibited by this Code or Department regulations;
(6) Failing to remove from the field any edible portion of game taken.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
35.05.180 Prohibited Activities; Fishing
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful:
(1) Taking any amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, reptiles or other aquatic wildlife in any manner or place not permitted by Tribal regulations;
(2) Cleaning fish in streams, springs or lakes;
(3) No person shall permit the edible portion of any game fish to go to waste after taking possession of the same.
(4) Cutting a hole larger than ten inches in diameter for ice fishing;
(5) No person shall destroy, tear down, deface or erase any printed matter or signs placed or posted by or under the instructions of Turtle Mountain Tribe Game and Fish Department.
(6) No person shall counsel, encourage, solicit, request, aid, procure or abet another to commit any act prohibited under this act.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
35.05.190 Prohibited Activities; Hunting
(a) Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts are unlawful:
(1) Handling or discharging any firearm, bow and arrow or other device for taking Wildlife while intoxicated, or in a careless or reckless manner, or with wanton disregard for the safety of human life or property, or misusing a firearm in any other manner as defined in this Code or by Department regulations while taking wildlife;
(2) Detaching or removing, or attempting to detach or remove, from the carcass of a big game animal a portion thereof for the purpose of misrepresenting or concealing the species or sex of the animal;
(3) Using a dog, other than for retrieval, to take any big game other than raccoon, or mink;
(4) Discharging a firearm or using any pyrotechnic (fireworks, etc.) device:
(5) In or within one quarter mile of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or
(6) Across or on a way, or within one quarter mile of a roadway, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as result of such discharge or use.
(7) Have in his possession or under his control any unprocessed bird, or animal during the closed season or in excess of the bag limit, or without the required permit or tag.
(8) Permit the edible portion of any game animal, or game bird to go to waste after taking possession of the same.
(9) Shall transport a weapon with a bullet in the chamber.
(b) Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
Chapter 35.06 Enforcement & Penalties
35.06.010 Jurisdiction
Except as otherwise provided by this Code, the Turtle Mountain Tribe, through its Tribal Council, Tribal Court, and such other tribal entities as are designated by Tribal law, shall have absolute, original, and exclusive jurisdiction to regulate and adjudicate all matters pertaining to wildlife and other resources, and all matters pertaining to Recreational Activities.
This authority is derived by Treaties with the Chippewa, etc. 1825 and 1829 at Prairie du Chien, The Sweet Corn Treaty, The Treaty with the Chippewa-Red Lake and Pembina Bands, 1863 and 1864, Executive Orders of 1882 and 1884, the McCumber Agreement of 1892, and the Turtle Mountain Agreement of 1904. The Turtle Mountain Pembina Chippewa reserved the right to control the restoration of habitat and taking of wildlife upon all lands designated by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Article II Jurisdiction Section 1 – "That may be acquired in behalf of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa."
35.06.020 Notice
Each year, no later than July, the Department will publish an Official Notice in regional and local newspapers declaring its jurisdictional authority of this Code including the following information:
(a) That permits are required for all outdoor recreational activities covered by the Code;
(b) That persons who violate Tribal law may be subject to Tribal or Federal prosecution.
(c) Where persons may obtain permits.
35.06.030 Civil Complaints
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, all matters arising under this Code shall be adjudicated in the Turtle Mountain Tribal Court following the filing of a Civil Complaint naming the Turtle Mountain Tribe as plaintiff, by the Department alleging the violation, or by legal counsel for the Tribe.
35.06.040 Procedure
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, or as the interests of justice may require, the Turtle Mountain Tribe's Formal Rules of Civil Procedure shall govern all questions of procedure arising as a result of the enforcement of this Code.
35.06.050 Federal Prosecution
(a) Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1165 of Non-members who trespass to hunt, trap, fish, or to remove wildlife. Federal prosecution may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of other enforcement procedures provided by this Code.
(b) The taking or using of Tribal property or services contrary to the terms of this Code constitutes theft of Tribal assets. Accordingly, nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1163 for theft of Tribal property. Federal prosecution may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of other enforcement procedures provided by this Code.
(c) Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude federal prosecution pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 3371 et seq., (Lacey Act). Federal prosecution may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of other enforcement procedures provided by this Code.
35.06.060 Criminal Sanctions
(a) It shall be a criminal offense for any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction to:
(1) Take, possess, transport, buy, sell, conceal, or offer for sale any big game species or any part thereof in violation of this Code, or Department rule or regulation; or
(2) Detach or remove from the carcass of a big game animal a portion thereof for the purpose of concealing evidence of illegality; or
(3) Use an explosive compound, or a corrosive, narcotic, poison or other deleterious substance for the purpose of taking, stunning, or killing wildlife.
(b) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
(c) Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who is a public officer, and who willfully fails to enforce this Code, or a lawful rule, regulation or order of the Department is guilty of a criminal offense and is subject to the punishment provided in this section.
(d) The criminal penalties in this section shall be in addition to the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 35.06.230.
35.06.070 Criminal Attempt
(a) Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who attempts to commit any offense prohibited in Section 35.06.060 shall be guilty of a criminal offense.
(b) For the purpose of this section, "attempt" means to:
(1) Intentionally engage in conduct which would constitute the offense if the attendant circumstances were as the person believes them to be; or
(2) Intentionally do or omit to do anything which, under the circumstances as such person believes them to be, is any step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in commission of the offense.
(c) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
35.06.080 Criminal Solicitation
(a) Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who solicits another person to commit any offense prohibited in Section 35.06.060 shall be guilty of a criminal offense.
(b) For the purpose of this section, "solicit" means to encourage, command or request another person to engage in specific conduct which would constitute the offense or an attempt to commit such offense or would establish his or her complicity in its commission or attempted commission.
(c) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
35.06.090 Criminal Conspiracy
(a) Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who conspires with another person to commit any offense prohibited in Section 35.06.060 shall be guilty of a criminal offense.
(b) For the purpose of this section, "conspire" means to:
(1) Agree with another person or persons that they or one or more of them will engage in conduct which constitutes the crime; or
(2) Agree to aid another person or persons in the planning or commission of such crime or of an attempt to commit such crime.
(c) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
35.06.100 Warrants, Subpoenas, and Service of Process
(a) Any Authorized Officer may, in addition to exercising any of the powers granted by this Code:
(1) Execute warrants issued for the arrest of violators of this Code;
(2) Execute search warrants issued by the Tribal Court in matters arising under this Code;
(3) Serve subpoenas or other legal documents issued in matters arising under this Code;
(4) Issue citations for violations of this Code.
35.06.110 Searches and Seizures
(a) Any Authorized Officer may, without a search warrant, search any aircraft, watercraft, motorized vehicle, ice fishing house, box, game animal, bag, locker, tool box, ice chest, camper, camper shell, trailer, backpack, bedroll, sleeping bag, or other container or package if the officer has probable cause to believe that wildlife or parts thereof taken in violation of this Code, or the instrumentalities of such illegal taking, are contained therein.
(b) Any Authorized Officer may inspect all wildlife or parts thereof taken, possessed, or transported on the Reservation, and may seize as evidence all wildlife that such officer has probable cause to believe has been taken, possessed, or transported in violation of this Code, and any object that the officer has probable cause to believe has been used as the instrumentality of such illegal taking, possession, or transportation.
(c) For all property seized as evidence, the Authorized Officer shall make an inventory and provide a copy to the person from whom the property was taken. After the final disposition of the case, a hearing shall be held by the court to determine the disposition of all property taken as evidence. Upon satisfactory proof of ownership, property taken as evidence shall be returned to the owner, except for contraband, which shall be disposed pursuant to Section 35.06.280 and Section 35.06.290.
35.06.120 Apprehension of Suspected Violators
(a) Any Authorized Officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has violated this Code, either in or out of the officer's presence, shall identify himself or herself to such person and promptly determine whether the person is a Member or Non-member, and if a Non-member, whether the person is Indian or non-Indian. In making such determination, the officer may demand identification and ask such questions as the officer reasonable believes are necessary to make the determination.
(b) Any person who an Authorized Officer reasonably believes to have violated this Code may:
(1) Be issued a Complaint, pursuant to Section 35.06.130, and, if appropriate, be required to post a bond, pursuant to Section 35.06.150, and be released; or
(2) If the suspected violator is a Member or Non-member Indian, be arrested and held for initiation of criminal prosecution; or
(3) If the suspected violator is a Non-member, be arrested and held for initiation of federal prosecution and/or expulsion procedures provided for by Tribal law.
(c) If the suspected violator refuses to identify him or herself the officer shall enter a fictitious name, such as John Doe, on the Complaint. After learning the defendant's true name, the Tribe shall amend the Complaint to reflect the defendant's true name.
35.06.130 Complaints
(a) The issuance of a Complaint initiates a civil or criminal action against a suspected violator of this Code.
(b) The Complaint shall be prepared in duplicate and be signed by the person cited. One copy will be given to the person cited; the other copy will be filed with the Tribal prosecutor.
(c) Any Member who fails to sign the Complaint shall be arrested and transported to Tribal jail pursuant to Tribal law governing the arrest of criminal suspects, or shall be subject to the Field Bond Procedures of this Code. Any Non-member who fails to sign the Complaint shall be subject to the Field Bond Procedures of this Code.
(d) The Complaint shall inform the person cited of the violation charged, the location, date, and time of the alleged violation, and the location, date and time of the Initial Appearance, which shall be scheduled not more than 14 days from the date of the issuance of the Complaint. The Complaint shall also inform the person cited that failure to appear at the Initial Appearance will result in the entry of a default judgment against him or her and forfeiture of bond money or property, and for persons charged criminally, will result in the issuance of an arrest warrant for failure to appear, which shall be a separate offense.
35.06.140 Initial Appearance
(a) A person served with a Complaint shall appear at the time and place stated in the Complaint, or prior to that time if so authorized by the court, and upon the directions contained in the Complaint admit or deny the allegations contained within the Complaint. In any civil action, the defendant may file a written response to the complaint, in lieu of a personal appearance; provided that the defendant so notifies the court not less than 24 hours before the scheduled Initial Appearance and that the court prior to the scheduled Initial Appearance receives the written response.
(b) For a civil complaint, if the defendant admits to liability for the acts complained of, the Court may immediately impose a penalty or set a separate hearing to establish a penalty. If the defendant denies liability, the proceedings used to adjudicate liability shall be in accordance with the Turtle Mountain Tribe Formal Rules of Civil Procedure. Upon a showing of substantial need and in the interests of justice, the court may order that the proceedings be held in accordance with the Turtle Mountain Tribe Informal Rules of Civil Procedure.
(c) Proceedings used to adjudicate criminal actions for violations of this Code shall be in accordance with the Turtle Mountain Tribe Rules of Criminal Procedure.
35.06.150 Field Bond
(a) Upon issuing a Complaint, an Authorized Officer may demand that a suspected violator post a Field Bond in an amount equal to the maximum amount of the Civil Penalty plus the Liquidated Damages Amount for the violations alleged in the Complaint.
(b) Bond property may be cash or other property, which the officer reasonably believes is valued at an amount at least equal to the required bond amount.
(c) Field Bond is justified and shall be collected by the officer using any reasonably necessary non-deadly force, when, in the officer's judgment:
(1) The violator is not a resident of Tribal jurisdiction; or
(2) The violator does not own sufficient valuable property which is permanently affixed to or stored within Tribal jurisdiction; or
(3) The violator refuses to sign the complaint; or
(4) The violator cannot be, or refuses to be, positively identified; or
(5) Any other reason which leads the officer to believe that the violator's presence at the court hearing for the violation cannot be assured, or the violator's willingness or ability to pay the fine, penalty or Liquidated Damages assessment is reasonably questioned.
(d) Any person who believes that a Field Bond has been required unlawfully or unreasonably may request, in writing, a bond hearing before the Tribal Court. Bond hearings shall take place within three (3) days of the filing of such request, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or other Court holidays.
(e) Non-cash bond property may be redeemed at any time during normal business hours at the Department Office by the posting of a cash bond, or payment of damages. Post judgment redemption must occur, if at all, within 30 days of the entry of judgment, unless an appeal is filed.
(f) If the suspected violator is found liable for the alleged violation, and there is no appeal, the bond will be applied in satisfaction of the judgment. Failure to appear at the hearing will result in entry of a default judgment and forfeiture of bond. Non-cash bond property will be sold at an auction and the proceeds will be applied to the judgment. Any excess proceeds will be returned to the violator.
(g) If the suspected violator is found to be not liable for the alleged violation, the bond property will be returned.
35.06.160 Bond Notice Procedures
(a) If feasible, the officer shall issue a Bond Notice to a suspected violator before the officer takes possession of any bond property. An officer may seize bond property first and then issue a Bond Notice if the officer reasonably believes that the delay caused by the Bond Notice Procedure could:
(1) Jeopardize the safety of the officer; or
(2) Lead to a breach of the peace; or
(3) Jeopardize the opportunity to receive a Field Bond; or
(4) Allow the suspected violator the opportunity to flee the jurisdiction of the Tribe.
(b) The Bond Notice shall be prepared in duplicate and be signed by the suspected violator. One signed copy of the Bond Notice shall be attached to the Complaint and filed with the Tribal prosecutor; the other copy shall be given to the suspected violator.
(c) The Bond Notice shall contain the following information:
(1) The date;
(2) The suspected violator's name and address;
(3) The Complaint number;
(4) The alleged violation;
(5) The maximum dollar amount of the penalty;
(6) The Liquidated Damages amount;
(7) The required bond amount;
(8) The signature and identification number of the issuing officer;
(9) If a cash bond is posted, the amount received;
(10) If a property bond is posted, a description of the property, including serial and model numbers, where available, and the officer's estimate of the value of the property;
(11) Information concerning the redemption or return of the Field Bond;
(12) Any other information, which may be reasonably requested by the Department.
35.06.170 Cash Bond Trust Fund
Within two business days of being posted, all cash bonds shall be deposited in a trust account established by the Tribal Court for that purpose.
35.06.180 Bond Property Storage
All bond property shall be inventoried, labeled with the defendant's name and citation number, and placed in secured storage at the Department within 24 hours of being posted.
35.06.190 Revocation and Denial of Right to Obtain Permit; Notice
(a) If any person is found in violation of this Code, the Department may revoke that person's permit to take wildlife or engage in Recreational Activities. This remedy is available in addition to the other remedies provided by this Code and is subject to the following conditions:
(1) No more than ninety days after the Tribal Court's ruling, the Department shall notify the person of its intent to revoke that person's permit and privilege. Notice shall be sent to the violator's last known address by registered mail;
(2) The Department shall give the person an opportunity for a hearing to show cause why such permit and privilege should not be revoked;
(3) The person whose permit and privilege has been revoked may appeal the Department's final decision to the Tribal Court within thirty days of the Department's decision.
(b) The Department shall furnish to permit dealers the names and addresses of persons whose permits have been revoked, and the periods for which they have been denied the right to secure permits.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly issue a permit of any kind to a person whose privilege to obtain that permit has been revoked. Any permit issued to a person whose privilege to have that permit has been revoked shall be void.
(d) Violation of this section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
35.06.200 Trespassing; Expulsion of Non-Members
(a) Any Non-member who violates this Code shall be deemed a trespasser. Such violation includes, but is not limited to, failure to purchase and possess a valid Recreation Permit. It shall be unlawful for any Non-member to trespass on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation.
(b) Any Authorized Officer may expel Non-members who violate this Code, in addition to or in lieu of any other enforcement procedure provided for by this Code.
(c) Any Non-member who violates this Code shall also be subject to formal exclusion pursuant to the Tribal Government Code.
35.06.210 Contempt
All defendants to actions brought under this Code, whether Member or Non-member, shall be subject to the civil contempt power of The Turtle Mountain Tribal Court, and may be sanctioned by any means provided for in the Turtle Mountain Tribal Code for civil contempt, including, but not limited to, imprisonment or other fines or penalties to compel compliance with a lawful court order.
35.06.220 Liquidated Damages Provisions
(a) The Department shall prepare and at least once per year shall review and, as necessary, revise a schedule of Liquidated Damages calculated to closely approximate the cost of providing equitable restitution to the Tribe for the damage which would be caused by each violation of each regulation of this Code. In calculating these Liquidated Damages the Department may consider, in addition to any other factors reasonably deemed relevant:
(1) The cost to the Tribe of producing and/or protecting the resource;
(2) The cost of replacing or restoring the resource;
(3) The costs of enforcement including the general overall costs and costs particularized to individual violations where appropriate;
(4) The loss to the Tribe of license revenue;
(5) Damages for trespass.
(b) The Department shall publish the schedule of Liquidated Damages and cause it to be made available to the public at all permit outlets.
35.06.230 Liquidated Damages Presumption
(a) Since in most instances the exact amount of damages caused to the Tribe by a particular violation of this Code will be difficult or impossible to determine, it shall be presumed by the court adjudicating a complaint for violation of this Code that the amount fixed by the schedule of Liquidated Damages represents the damages owed to the Tribe as restitution if the defendant is found to be liable. This presumption may be rebutted by evidence which shows by clear and convincing evidence that the amount indicated by the schedule of Liquidated Damages is so excessive in a particular case as to be punitive, or so inadequate in a particular case as to result in a gross deprivation of adequate restitution. In any case in which the presumption is successfully rebutted, the parties may introduce evidence to prove the actual damages as in any other civil case.
(b) All persons shall be deemed to have consented to the Liquidated Damages provisions of this Code by their entry onto the Reservation, and where applicable, by their signature on a Tribal permit or permits.
35.06.240 Punitive Damages
(a) Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude the Tribe, through its counsel, from praying for and being awarded punitive damages in any civil action filed for a violation of this Code wherein it is alleged that the violator has committed the acts constituting the violation without regard to the interests of the Tribe or wantonly, willfully or maliciously.
(b) The Court, in assessing punitive damages, shall determine their amount in the same manner in which it would determine punitive damages in any other civil action. Punitive damages shall not exceed ten times the amount of the civil penalty.
35.06.250 Costs
(a) In addition to civil penalties and liquidated and punitive damages, the Court may award payment of costs associated with damage to Tribal resources not otherwise provided for in this Code, including, but not limited to, rehabilitation, reforestation, loss of future revenue and loss of productivity.
(b) The Court may also charge the violator with payment of all reasonable costs associated with the enforcement of these regulations, beginning with detection and including all processes through prosecution and collection of the settlement, such as field or animal examination and survey, damage appraisal, investigation assistance and reports, witness expenses, demand letters, court costs and attorney's fees.
35.06.260 Seizure of Prohibited Devices
(a) Any device defined at Section 35.05.160 may be seized by the officer if:
(b) Seizure of the suspected violator's property is directly necessary to prevent irreparable injury to Tribal property or resources; and
(c) Prompt action is needed because it is likely the person may flee with, or conceal the offending property, or continue the prohibited use.
(d) Any officer seizing property under this section shall issue to the person from whom it is seized a receipt for the property describing it in detail. The officer shall then deliver the property to the Director for safe keeping pending the outcome of all hearings on the seizure and the underlying violations, which shall be adjudicated pursuant to this Code.
(e) In addition to filing any other complaints for the illegal use or possession of the seized property, the counsel for the Tribe may apply to the Court for an injunction prohibiting the continued use or possession of the property.
35.06.270 Disposal of Prohibited Devices
(a) After adjudicating the underlying complaints of illegal possession or use, the Court shall dictate the disposal of the seized property.
(b) Return of property: If the seized property belongs to a Non-member, the Court shall return the property to its owner, unless it determines that continued retention of the seized property is necessary to secure payment of a judgment as provided by the Field Bond procedures of this Code. The Court shall also advise the owner of the terms of any injunctions which have been issued against the continued use or possession of the property, and shall further advise the violator that violation of the injunction is contempt of court and may subject the violator to further civil liability.
(c) Forfeiture: If the seized property belongs to a Member, or to a Non-member who fails to appear, the judge may order, in addition to any other sanction imposed for the violation, that the property be forfeited to the Tribe. In case of such forfeiture, the Director shall dispose of the property in the manner most consistent with the goals of the Department, choosing between destruction of the property, sale for the benefit of the Department at public auction, or retention of the property for Department use.
(d) If the owner of seized property cannot be determined, the complaining officer shall file with the Court Clerk a Notice of Intent to Confiscate and a Complaint, designating the defendant by a fictitious name following the procedures of Section 35.06.120(c), and include a description of the property, the date of seizure and the location of seizure. The Court Clerk shall cause them to be posted in the Court and published in appropriate local and regional newspapers for two consecutive issues. A hearing on the matter shall be set for the first available date after the publication period has ended, and the date of the hearing shall be included in the posted and published notices. If the owner of the property fails to appear at the scheduled hearing the Court shall dispose of the property pursuant to subsection (c).
35.06.280 Disposition of Fees, Forfeitures, Penalties
(a) All fees resulting from the sale of permits by the Department and its agents, and all fines, costs, monies, penalties or damages collected for violation of this Code shall be deposited in the Tribal General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in connection with the conservation and protection of the fish and wildlife of the Turtle Mountain Tribe; provided, however that bonds, unless forfeited, shall be deposited in a Trust account as provided by Section 35.06.170.
(b) Each Tribal judge or clerk of the Court shall, within twenty days after a judgment has been rendered under the provisions of this Code, remit to the Tribal Treasurer all fines, forfeitures, damages or penalties collected.
35.06.290 Disposition of Seized Wildlife and Property
(a) Wildlife seized under this Code may be disposed of in such manner as the Department may prescribe.
(b) The Department shall prepare a report of all wildlife and devices seized by Authorized Officers showing a description of the items, the persons from whom they were seized, if known, and the disposition of the items. This report shall be prepared annually and kept by the Department. All money derived from the sale of any seized property shall be deposited in the Department fund.
35.06.300 Inspection of Game and Fish Without Arrest
In order to see that bag or fish limits are being observed, Conservation Law Enforcement Officers (CLEO's) shall have the power to inspect game, fur-bearing animals and fish taken by any person found hunting, trapping or fishing without arresting the person.
Chapter 35.07 Animal Regulation and Treatment
35.07.010 Purpose
The purpose of this Title is to provide regulations to protect the health and safety of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) community; to control animal behavior both on and off the property of the animal's owner or keeper; to encourage humane treatment of animals; to establish rabies control procedures; and to delineate the responsibilities of animal owners and keepers within the territory and Jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
35.07.020 Jurisdiction
The provisions of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15, and all rules and regulations under them, shall apply within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians defined by the Constitution.
35.07.030 Exceptions
The provisions of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15 shall not apply to any animal kept by any law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes.
35.07.040 Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15, or any amendment thereto or their application to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder or application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
35.07.050 Definitions
(a) Animal defined. "ANIMAL" means any living animal, other than humans.
(b) Animal Control Department defined. "ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT" means the department established by the TMBCI Tribal Council to enforce these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15 and shall be part of the Department of Natural Resources and subject to the Director's supervision, as listed in Title 35.
(c) Animal Control Officer defined. "ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER" means the employees of the Animal Control Department.
(d) Animal Shelter defined. "ANIMAL SHELTER" means any tribally approved facility operated by the Animal Control Department or its contractors or agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals found running at large in violation and being held under the authority of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15 and Code and any other applicable Tribal law.
(e) At Large defined. Any dog or animal shall be deemed to be at large when it is off the property of its owner and not under restraint by a competent person.
(f) Cat defined. An animal which is a small domesticated carnivore, Felis catus, bred in a number of varieties.
(g) Dangerous Animal or Dog defined:
(1) Any individual animal or dog, having without provocation and off of the owner's property, which when either unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner or custodian, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, chases, confronts, or approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack upon roadways, streets, sidewalks, private property of others, or any public grounds or places in such a fashion that would put an average person in fear of attack;
(2) Having been trained for fighting or attack and is being handled, kept or maintained in manner that causes or should cause an owner to know that it potentially poses a threat to public health and safety; or
(3) Presenting an unacceptably high risk of serious injury, even before causing harm; or
(4) Having acted in any manner that causes or should cause an owner to know that the animal is a threat to public health and safety.
(5) Has attacked or killed other animals or livestock outside of the boundary of the residence the animal's owner.
(6) any individual animal or dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within a 36-month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner or custodian of the dog.
(7) any individual animal or dog, which, when unprovoked, bites a person or otherwise engages in aggressive behavior causing injury.
(8) any individual dog which, when unprovoked, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise caused injury to a domestic animal off the property of the owner or custodian of the animal or dog.
(h) Dangerous or Vicious Dog/Animal pen/kennel defined. A structure that is constructed with secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine dangerous animals or dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen, or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet, or have cinder block or fencing on the interior edges to prevent the animal from digging out. The interior area of the structure must be five (5) foot by ten (10) foot for a total of fifty (5O) square feet. It must contain within the interior a four-sided shelter with a floor or insulation break from the ground and protects against wind and rain. The shelter (house) must be large enough for the animal or dog to enter and lie down without having to contort or bend its neck in order to sleep.
(i) Dangerous or Vicious animals defined.
(1) Any animal which, because of their poisonous bite or sting, their size, or their propensity to viciousness or aggressiveness would constitute a hazard or threat to the safety of the TMBCI community;
(2) Any animal, when unprovoked, inflicts bite(s) on any human or doestic animal either on private or public property;
(3) Any animal that has a documented history with the TMBCI Animal Control Department or the BIA/TMBCI law enforcement of biting or attacking any human or domestic animal;
(4) Any animal that has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack, to cause injury, or otherwise threaten or endanger the safety of humans or domestic animals; or
(5) Any animal that is not properly vaccinated.
(j) Dog defined. "DOG" shall mean an animal which is a domesticated canid, Canis familiaris, bred in many varieties. Does not include hybrids which include Canis lupus (wolf) and other wild canids and are three (3) months of age and over.
(k) Dog pen/kennel defined. A structure for the purpose of keeping and caring for dogs. The interior area of the structure must be a minimum of five (5) feet by ten (10) feet equaling a total of fifty (5O) square feet. The structure must contain within its interior a four-sided shelter (house) for the animal with a floor or insulation break from the ground protects against wind and rain. The shelter (house) must be large enough for the dog to enter and lie down without having to contort or bend its neck in order to sleep.
(l) Livestock defined. "LIVESTOCK" means an animal commonly raised on a farm including, but not limited to; cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, mules or burros or other domesticated animals other than cats or dogs.
(m) Owner defined. "OWNER" means any Indian or Non-Indian having a right to property in, or who keeps or harbors, or who has in his or her care, or acts as custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog or animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her.
(n) Poultry defined. "Poultry" means farm-raised birds, such as the following:
- Chickens;
- Turkeys;
- Ducks;
- Geese;
- Guinea fowl.
(o) Production Method defined. "PRODUCTION METHOD" means how the animals are being raised.
(p) Rabies Vaccination defined. "RABIES VACCINATION" shall mean the injection subcutaneously or otherwise of canine antirabic vaccine approved by the North Dakota State Department of agriculture or by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, received from a licensed veterinarian or at a public clinic which may be established for this purpose by the Turtle Mountain Tribal Council and approved by the Service Unit Director, United States Public Health Service, Division of Indian Health, Belcourt, North Dakota.
(q) Restrained defined. An animal or dog is under restraint within the meaning of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15 if it is controlled by at least a "heel" command beside a competent person, and obedient to that person's voice command, or within the property limits of the owner or keeper.
(r) Service Unit Director defined. "SERVICE UNIT DIRECTOR" shall mean the Medical Officer in Charge of the United States Public Health Service, Division of Indian Health, Belcourt, North Dakota.
(s) Shelter defined. "SHELTER" means any man-made structure or natural feature that provides protection from the elements, such as a barn, shed, or lean-to and trees, bushes, or topographical features.
(t) Stray/Unclaimed defined. "STRAY" or "UNCLAIMED" shall mean any dog or animal not having a known owner or custodian.
(u) Vicious Dog defined.
(1) Any dog that engages in or has been found to have been trained to engage in exhibitions of fighting.
(2) Any individual dog that when unprovoked inflicts bites, attacks or otherwise inflicts injury on a human being or other animal either on public or private property.
(3) Any individual dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack without provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals.
(4) Any individual dog that has a trait or characteristic and a generally known reputation for viciousness, dangerousness or unprovoked attacks upon human beings or other animals, unless handled in a particular manner or with special equipment.
(5) Any individual dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation.
(6) Any individual dog previously determined to be and currently listed as a “dangerous dog” which, after its owner has been notified of this determination, continues the behavior described in the "dangerous dog" definition of this Chapter and this section.
(7) No dog shall be deemed “vicious” if it bites, attacks, or menaces a trespasser on the property of its owner or harms or menaces anyone who has tormented or abused it or is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties. Vicious dogs shall not be classified in a manner that is specific as to a breed.
(v) Under Control defined. "UNDER CONTROL" means that the owner, by means of a fencing, leash or other means, restrains the animal to the owner's premises or immediate proximity, preventing the animal from trespassing upon property or annoying or chasing other persons, animals, or vehicles, of any sort.
35.07.060 Keeping of Dangerous Animal(s) within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
(a) Purpose. In order to protect the health, safety and welfare of members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Tribe does hereby enacted herein
(b) Dangerous Animal(s): Keeping prohibited. It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians any Dangerous Animal, unless said Dangerous Animal or dog are registered with the Tribal Vector's Office, then they may be kept within the boundaries of the reservation subject to the standards and requirements set forth in Section 35.07.060(b) and (c) of this ordinance.
(c) Keeping of Dangerous Animal or Dogs. The provisions of Section 35.07.060(b) of this ordinance are not applicable to owners, keepers or harborers of Dangerous Animal registered with the Tribal Vector's Office. The keeping of such dogs, however, shall be subject to the following standards:
(1) Leash and muzzle. No person shall permit a registered Dangerous Animal to go outside its kennel or pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four (4) feet in length. No person shall permit a Dangerous Animal to be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen, unless by an adult person with the physical capabilities to control and restrain the animal or dog on a leash. Such dogs may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. In addition, all Dangerous Animals and dogs on a leash outside the animal's kennel must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.
(2) Confinement. All registered Dangerous Animals or Dogs shall be securely confined indoors, or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, as described in herein except when leashed and muzzled as above provided. Such pen, kennel or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine registered Dangerous Animal or Dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen, or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet. All structures erected to house Dangerous Animal must comply with all TMBCI zoning and building regulations. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated, and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(3) Confinement indoors. No Dangerous Animal or dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the animal or dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such animal may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open, or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacles preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
(4) Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of registered Dangerous Animal within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI shall within ten (10) days of the effective date of this ordinance display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words "BEWARE OF DOG" OR "BEWARE OF DANGEROUS ANIMAL." In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such animal.
(5) Insurance. All owners, keepers or harborers of registered Dangerous Animals or Dogs must within ten (10) days of the effective date of this ordinance provide proof to the Tribal Vector's Office of public liability insurance in a single incident amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for bodily injury to or death of any person or persons, or for damage to property owned by any persons which may result from the ownership, keeping or maintenance of such animal. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation of the policy will be made unless ten (10) days written notice is first given to the Tribal Vector's Office.
(6) Identification photographs. All owners, keepers or harborers of registered Dangerous Animal must within ten (10) days of the effective date of this ordinance provide to the Tribal Vector's Office two (2) color photographs of the registered animal clearly showing the color and approximate size of the animal.
(7) Reporting requirements. All owners, keepers or harborers of registered Dangerous Animal must within ten (10) days of the incident, report the following information in writing to the Tribal Vector's Office as required hereinafter:
(A) the removal from the reservation or death of registered Dangerous Animal;
(B) the birth of offspring of registered Dangerous Animal;
(C) the new address of registered Dangerous Animal owner should the owner move within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI.
(8) Sale or transfer of ownership prohibited. No person shall sell, barter or in any other way dispose of a Dangerous Animal or Dog registered with the Tribal Vector's Office to any person within the reservation, unless the recipient person resides permanently in the same household and on the same premises as the registered owner of such dog provided that the registered owner of a Dangerous Animal or Dog may sell or otherwise dispose of a registered animal or dog or the offspring of such dog to persons who do not reside within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI.
(9) Animals born of registered animal or dogs. All offspring born of Dangerous Animal or Dog registered with the Tribal Vector's Office must be removed from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI within six (6) weeks of the birth of such animal.
(10) Irrebuttable presumptions. There shall be an irrebuttable presumption that any dog registered with the Tribal Vector's Office as a Dangerous Animal prohibited by Section 35.07.060(b) of this ordinance is in fact a dog subject to the requirements of this ordinance.
(11) Failure to comply. It shall be unlawful for the owner, keeper or harborer of a Dangerous Animals or Dogs registered with the Tribal Vector's Office to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this ordinance. Any dog found to be the subject of a violation of this ordinance shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment. In addition, failure to comply will result in the revocation of the license of such animal resulting in the immediate removal of the animal from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI.
(12) Violations and penalties for Dangerous Animal.
(A) Any person violating or permitting the violation of any provision of this ordinance shall, upon conviction in Tribal Court, be fined a sum not more than five hundred dollars ($500). In addition to the fine imposed, the Court may sentence the defendant to imprisonment for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.
(B) In addition, the Court shall order the registration of the subject Dangerous Animals or Dogs revoked and the dog removed from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI.
(C) Should the defendant refuse to remove the dog from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI, the Tribal Judge shall find the defendant owner in contempt and order the immediate confiscation and impoundment of the animal. Each day that a violation of this ordinance continues shall be deemed a SEPARATE OFFENSE.
(D) In addition to the foregoing penalties, any person who violates this ordinance shall pay all expenses, including shelter, food, handling, veterinary care and testimony necessitated by the enforcement of this ordinance.
(E) Other conditions of ownership and penalties for violations stemming from a Dangerous Animal finding include that the animal be:
(i) properly licensed, micro-chipped for tracking, and vaccinated;
(ii) kept indoors or in a security fenced yard or enclosure when on the owner's property;
(iii) muzzled and restrained by a substantial leash and only under the control of an adult capable of restraining and controlling it if off the owner's premises;
(iv) complete an obedience course;
(v) be spayed or neutered; and
(vi) that dog may be required to wear a bright fluorescent yellow collar that identifies it as a potentially dangerous aniimal.
(F) Owner shall pay all charges for services performed by law enforcement or conservation officers pursuant to this section;
(G) Owner shall be liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, livestock, or property;
(H) A Tribal Court Judge may impose such other reasonable conditions as are deemed necessary to protect the public safety and welfare.
(13) Dangerous Animal or Dog Situation. A law enforcement officer, when called to or coming upon the scene of a Dangerous Animal or Dog situation, may take action deemed necessary under the set of circumstances presented, to protect the public safety and welfare, the safety of him or herself and the safety of domestic animals and property, including taking the animal or dog into custody or placing the animal or dog in quarantine, or disposing of the animal dog in a humane manner if the animal or dog cannot be controlled by the law enforcement officer or an owner or custodian on the scene. Any costs related to the quarantine will be charged to the owner or custodian.
(14) Dangerous Animal or Dog Control. Any dangerous animal or dog(s) must be kept under control at all times by its owner. Any dangerous animal or dog(s) found running at large may be destroyed without attempting to impound said animal(s).
(15) Dangerous Animal or animal Database. The TMBCI Animal Control Department shall maintain a central database for determinations of Dangerous Animals and Dogs.
35.07.070 Keeping of Vicious Dogs within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
(a) Vicious Dogs: Keeping prohibited. It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Reservation any Vicious Dogs, unless said Vicious Dog(s) are registered with the Tribal Vector’s Office, then they may be kept within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI subject to the standards and requirements set forth in Section 35.07.060(b) and (c) of this ordinance.
(b) Purpose. In order to protect the health, safety and welfare of members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Tribe does hereby enact the following provisions under Chapter 35.07.
(c) Keeping of Vicious Dogs. The provisions of Section 35.07.060(b) of this ordinance are not applicable to owners, keepers or harborers of Vicious Dogs registered with the Tribal Vector's Office. The keeping of such dogs, however, shall be subject to the conditions set forth in Section 35.07.060(c) of this ordinance.
(d) Conditions of ownership. Other conditions of ownership and penalties for violations stemming from a Vicious Dog finding include that the dog be:
(1) require a special enclosure to contain the dog;
(2) order that the owner give written notice of the vicious dog to the postal service and all utility companies;
(3) may prohibit the owner from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three (3) years;
(4) failure of owner to comply with any of these conditions constitutes a basis for law enforcement to cite owner under any applicable TMBCI Tribal Code Ordinance.
(e) Vicious Dog Situation. A law enforcement officer, when called to or coming upon the scene of a vicious dog situation, may take action deemed necessary under the set of circumstances presented, to protect the public safety and welfare, the safety of him or herself and the safety of domestic animals and property, including taking the dog into custody pending notification to owner, or disposing of the dog in a humane manner if the dog cannot be controlled by the law enforcement officer or an owner or custodian on the scene. Any costs related to the quarantine or disposal will be charged to the owner or custodian.
(f) Vicious Dog Control. Any vicious dog(s) must be kept under control at all times by its owner. Any vicious dog(s) found running at large may be destroyed without attempting to impound said animal(s).
(g) Vicious Dog Database. The TMBCI Animal Control Department shall maintain a central database for determinations of Vicious Dogs.
35.07.080 Keeping of Dangerous or Vicious Animals within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
(a) Purpose In order to protect the health, safety and welfare of members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Tribe does hereby enact the following provisions under Chapter 35.07;
(b) Dangerous/Vicious Animals: Keeping prohibited. It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the territory and jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Reservation any Dangerous or Vicious Animals, unless said Dangerous or Vicious Animal(s) are registered with the Tribal Vector’s Office, then they may be kept within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI subject to the standards and requirements set forth in Section 35.07.060(b) and (c), and Section 35.07.070(d)(e)(f) and (g) of this ordinance.
(c) Keeping of Dangerous or Vicious Animals. The provisions of Section 35.07.060(b) of this ordinance are not applicable to owners, keepers or harborers of Dangerous or Vicious Animals registered with the Tribal Vector’s Office. The keeping of such animals, however, shall be subject to the conditions set forth in Section 35.07.060(c) and Section 35.07.070(d)(e)(f) and (g) of this ordinance.
(d) Confinement. All registered Dangerous or Vicious Animals shall follow the confinement guidelines set forth in Section 35.07.060(c)(2) of this ordinance. Such pen, kennel or structure of confinement shall be suitable and applicable to the specific type and species of the Dangerous or Vicious Animal(s).
(e) Dangerous or Vicious Animal Control. Any dangerous or vicious animal(s) must be kept under control at all times by its owner. Any dangerous or vicious animal(s) found running at large may be destroyed without attempting to impound said animal(s).
(f) Penalties. Any person violating or permitting the violation of any provision of this ordinance shall, upon conviction in TMBCI Tribal Court, be fined a sum not more than five hundred dollars ($500). In addition to the fine imposed, the Court may sentence the defendant to imprisonment for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.
(g) In addition, the TMBCI Tribal Court shall order the removal of said dangerous or vicious animal(s) from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI.
(h) Should the defendant refuse to remove the dangerous or vicious animal(s) from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI, the TMBCI Tribal Judge shall find the defendant owner in contempt and order the immediate confiscation and impoundment of the animal(s). Each day that a violation of this ordinance continues shall be deemed a SEPARATE OFFENSE.
35.07.090 Negligent Control of a Dangerous or Vicious Dog(s) or other Dangerous or Vicious Animal(s) and penalties.
Any individual who owns a dangerous or vicious dog(s) or other dangerous or vicious animal(s) who fails to control the animal through restraint or other means and such animal causes:
(a) Injury to another person shall be guilty of: a Class 3 Offense and shall be responsible for restitution;
(b) Serious Bodily Injury to another person shall be guilty of a Class 4 Offense and shall be responsible for restitution.
(c) Injury to another person's property shall be guilty of a Class 2 Offense and shall be responsible for restitution;
(d) The death of another person's animal or livestock shall be guilty of a Class 3 offense and shall be responsible for the restitution for the market value of the animal or livestock.
Chapter 35.08 Animal Control Department
35.08.010 Establishment of Animal Control Department.
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) hereby creates the TMBCI Animal Control Department (TMBCI Animal Control Department), within the TMBCI Department of Natural Resources.
(a) It shall be the duty of all employees assigned to the TMBCI Animal Control Department to serve the public by the enforcement of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15, and other applicable Tribal laws.
(b) The TMBCI Animal Control Department shall be supervised by the TMBCI Department of Natural Resources Director.
35.08.020 General powers and duties of the Animal Control Department.
The TMBCI Animal Control Department is responsible for the prevention, detection, and enforcement of the TMBCI's animal control ordinances, while safeguarding lives and property in the performance of their duties.
35.08.030 Animal Control Officer Authorities and Duties.
The TMBCI hereby creates a position of Animal Control Officer. The TMBCI Animal Control Department, Animal Control Officer(s) shall have duties and responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
(a) Make such rules and regulations and establish such services, as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions and purposes of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15, subject to the approval of the Tribal Council;
(b) Enforces the procedures and regulations set forth in Chapters 35.07 to 35.15;
(c) The apprehension of stray animals;
(d) The apprehension of dangerous and/or vicious dogs and/or animals;
(e) Responds to calls from the public, law enforcement agencies, or other tribal entities concerning injured, stray, sick, or dangerous animals and violations of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15;
(f) Picks up and transports animals to a tribally approved shelter for impounding, disposal, or rabies investigation, or to the veterinarian as appropriate.
(g) Prepares reports, completes records and various forms such as daily activity sheets, receipts for fees received, citations, quarantine and investigative reports.
(h) Provides information to the public regarding licensing, vaccinations, euthanasia, rabies control, pet-owner responsibilities, spaying, neutering, and adoptions.
(i) Conducts investigations, inquiries or hearings as necessary to enforce Chapters 35.07 to 35.15.
(j) Appear in court to testify and present evidence regarding violations of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15;
(k) Issue tribal citations or warnings to violators of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15;
(l) Assist with the removal of nuisance and/or dangerous wildlife when appropriate;
(m) Exercise such additional powers and duties as are necessary to fully carry out the provisions of Chapters 35.07 to 35.15.
Chapter 35.09 Registration of Dogs
35.09.010 Dogs to be registered.
No dogs shall be kept, harbored or maintained within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Jurisdiction unless such dog has been registered by the owner with the Tribal Vector of the Turtle Mountain Tribal Council at Belcourt, North Dakota.
35.09.020 Rabies certificate of vaccination required.
The Tribal Vector shall issue a Certificate of Registration and registration tag for each dog within the Turtle Mountain Jurisdiction, provided that the owner exhibits a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian evidencing that the dog described in the registration application has been vaccinated against rabies within a period of one (1) year preceding the date of the application, and provided further that the owner shall pay to the Tribal Vector a registration fee of twenty dollars ($20) for each dog registered.
35.09.030 Information required on certificate of registration; Registration, tags issued and disposition of fees.
Each certificate of registration shall set forth the name and address of the owner, the dog's name, color, breed and sex, the date of rabies vaccination, the name and address of the licensed veterinarian, and the registration number. Each registration tag shall set forth the registration and registration tags issued and shall deposit and maintain a separate record of all fees collected thereof in a special "Rabies Control Program" Tribal account for use in the defrayment of the expenses connected with the administration of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15.
35.09.040 Expiration of registration certificate and tags.
Registration certificates and tags issued under these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15 and Code shall expire at midnight on the last day of the registration year. For the purpose of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15, the registration year shall begin September 1 and end on August 31. Applications for renewals may be made for the ensuing registration year during the months of July and August and upon payment of the fee required in Section 35.09.020 of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15.
35.09.050 Attaching registration tag without proper registering.
No person shall attach registration tags to a dog unless such dog has been properly registered with the Vector of the Turtle Mountain Tribe.
35.09.060 Refusal or failure to register or pay impoundment fee.
The refusal or failure of the owner of any dog to pay the registration fee or any impoundment expenses within three (3) days after written notice thereof, by the Tribal Vector shall be deemed an abandonment of such dog by the Court. Written notice shall be by certified mail, return receipt requested.
Chapter 35.10 Restraint, Impoundment of Unclaimed Dogs, and Destruction of Dogs
35.10.010 Restraint of animals off its owner's property.
Restraint of an animal shall be required if it wanders or leaves the owners property. Such restraint shall be a leash or other tether not to exceed 20 feet and be no less than 10 feet. Any tether must stop at least 5 feet from any public walk way or right of way. Tethers must be mounted to a swivel or secured in a fashion that prevents the tether from wrapping around the securing device or mount.
35.10.020 Violations and penalties of Restraint of animals off its owner's property.
(a) Any violation of this section shall be subject to a forfeiture or not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
(b) Each and every day that such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
(c) Any violation of this section may result in law enforcement immediately impounding the dangerous animal and a new dangerous animal investigation shall occur.
35.10.030 Animal or Dogs to be seized and impounded; Notification of owner; Unclaimed dogs.
(a) No animal or dog without a current registration tag, no dog of a fierce, dangerous or vicious nature, no female dog in heat, and no animal or dog which becomes a nuisance to others when trespassing upon streets, public places or premises of others shall be permitted to run at large within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI. The TMBCI Animal Control Department, the BIA/TMBCI law enforcement or any persons specifically appointed for such purposes are hereby authorized to seize and impound such animals or dogs in a tribally designated and maintained impoundment, and the owner, if known, shall be promptly notified. Unless an animal or dog is redeemed by its owner within five (5) days after such notice, or, if the owner is unknown, within five (5) days after its impoundment, it shall be considered unclaimed.
(b) If at the expiration of the said time period from the date of the notice to the owner or from the first posting of such notice, such animal or dog has not have been redeemed, it may be destroyed or given to an adoptive home.
(c) Any animal or dog suffering from rabies, or infected with hydrophobia, mange or other infectious or dangerous disease, SHALL NOT be released, but may be immediately destroyed without any waiting period requirement.
35.10.040 Requirement before release; Disposition of service fees.
No dog will be released from impoundment to its owner without payment of a service fee of three fifty dollars ($50) and presentation of a registration certificate for the current registration year. Service fees shall be deposited in a special “Rabies Control Program” Tribal account and shall be used to defray the expenses connected with the administration of these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15.
35.10.050 Dogs to be destroyed in humane and sanitary manner.
All unclaimed dogs will be destroyed in a humane and sanitary manner by the police or by a person designated for such purpose by the Tribal Council.
35.10.060 Designating tribal employees and Law Enforcement to be authorized to destroy any unclaimed dog.
Tribal employees specifically appointed to such purpose and certified in use of firearms by the Chief of Police and Law Enforcement Officials shall be authorized to destroy any unclaimed dog or known to be of vicious nature, within the city limits by shooting said animal with a firearm, with the stipulation that the firing of a firearm is only in extreme emergencies and is a life threatening situation.
Chapter 35.11 Control of Rabies Infected Domestic Animals
35.11.010 Care and control of dog or animal known to have bitten a person.
(a) Any dog or other animal known to have bitten a person so as to cause abrasion of the skin or which appears to be infected by rabies, shall be securely quarantined by the owner by means of holding in an enclosed structure with the ability to be locked for a period of ten (10) days or as may be recommended by the Service Unit Director or TMBCI Animal Control Department. Within said structure, the animal must be tethered in a way to prevent it from escaping such structure when the door is open for feeding and watering. During the ten (10) days day quarantine period, the dog or other animal shall be placed under the observation of the Sanitarian of the Public Health Service. At the discretion of the Animal Control Department, such quarantine may be on the premises of the owner, in a tribally designated and maintained shelter or impoundment, or at the owner's option and expense, in a veterinary hospital of the owner's choice. In the case of stray animals, or in the case of animals whose ownership is not known, such quarantine shall be at the shelter designated by the TMBCI Tribal Chairman and Tribal Council.
(b) The owner, upon demand made by a representative from the TMBCI Animal Control Department, the BIA/TMBCI law enforcement, or any persons specifically appointed for such purposes, shall forthwith surrender any dog or animal which has bitten a human or which is suspected as having been exposed to rabies, for supervised quarantine, which expense shall be borne by the owner, and may be reclaimed by the owner if adjudged free of rabies, upon payment of fees and upon complying with the licensing provisions.
(c) When a dog or animal under quarantine has been diagnosed as being rabid, and dies while under such observation, the TMBCI Animal Control Department shall immediately send the head of such animal to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostics Lab for pathological examination, and shall notify the proper public health officer of reports of human contacts, and the diagnosis made of the suspected animal.
(d) No person shall kill, or cause to be killed, any rabid animal, rabid dog, or any animal suspected of having been exposed to rabies, or any animal biting a human, except as herein provided, nor remove same from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI without the written permission of the TMBCI Animal Control Department.
(e) The carcass of any dead dog exposed to rabies shall, upon demand, be surrendered to the TMBCI Animal Control Department.
(f) The TMBCI Animal Control Department shall direct the disposition of any dog or animal found to be infected with rabies.
(g) No person shall fail or refuse to surrender any dog for quarantine or destruction, as required herein, when demand is made therefor by a representative from the TMBCI Animal Control Department.
35.11.020 Failure of owner to confine dog or other animal.
If the owner fails to confine such dog or other animal, or if the owner is not known, the Public Health Service Sanitarian, the police, or other tribally designated person shall transport the dog or other animal to a veterinary hospital or other location as designated by the Service Unit Director or TMBCI Animal Control Officer, and either be placed under observation or euthanized, dependent on the Public Health Service Sanitarian's recommendation. If euthanized, the body of the dog or other animal will be transported to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostics Lab for pathological examination. The owner shall in such cases be required to reimburse the special Tribal "Rabies Control Program" account for necessary expenses connected with the transport, euthanasia, testing, and/or confinement. Confinement expenses for stray dogs or other animal shall be paid out of the same special Tribal account.
35.11.030 Quarantine of animals; Authority to establish period and location.
Whenever a diagnosis of rabies is confirmed in any animal from the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI, the TMBCI Tribal Chairman may establish a quarantine of domestic animals and shall define the area under quarantine. Unless sooner rescinded by the TMBCI Tribal Chairman, such quarantine shall remain in effect for a minimum of sixty (60) days after the diagnosis of the last known case of animal rabies within the quarantine area.
35.11.040 Animals to be confined; Responsibility of owners.
No animal subject to the quarantine shall be removed from the quarantine area without written permission of the Tribal Chairman. Owners of domestic animals within a quarantine area shall confine the animals to the owner's premises by means of an enclosed structure with the ability to be locked. Within said structure, the animal must me tethered in a way to prevent it from escaping the structure when the door is open for feeding and watering.
35.11.050 Requirement for vaccination of animals.
The TMBCI Tribal Chairman may, on recommendations of the Service Unit Director, require the vaccination of any or all domestic animals within the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI, during the period of quarantine.
Chapter 35.12 Penalties
35.12.010 Penalties for these Chapters 35.07 to 35.15
Any person who willfully or knowingly violates any provision of Chapter 35.10 of this Code shall be deemed guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a minimum fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or sentenced not to exceed forty-five days or to both such fine and imprisonment with costs.
Chapter 35.13 Public Nuisance
35.13.010 Public Nuisance
(a) Every animal or group of animals that commit any of the following acts is deemed to be a public nuisance:
(1) At large on more than one occasion.
(2) Chases any person or vehicle.
(3) Disturbs the peace by barking, howling, fighting, or makes any unprovoked noise which is so loud that it disturbs a person of normal sensibilities and which such person does in writing state that they will so testify if called upon to testify about such matter under oath.
(4) Bites any person off the premises of the owner or any person lawfully on the premises of the owner.
(5) Attacks and injures, without provocation, any domestic animal or bird or other animal protected by law.
(6) Habitually approaches any person, off of or lawfully on the premises of the owner, in a vicious or terrorizing manner or in an apparent attitude of attack.
(7) Habitually damages public or private property by its activities or with its excrement.
(b) Upon complaint made before the TMBCI Tribal Judge, and notice to its owner, or, if the owner is unknown, after ten days' notice by publication and a hearing, the TMBCI Tribal Judge, upon a finding that a dog or cat is a public nuisance, may:
(1) Order the confinement of such animal within a building or secure enclosure, said animal not to be removed from such building or enclosure without being effectively restrained by chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and/or properly muzzled; or
(2) Order the surrender of such animal to the humane society or other animal placement organization or TMBCI Animal Control Department for purposes of placement outside the territory and jurisdiction of TMBCI for humane destruction; or
(3) Issue such other order as may be necessary to abate the nuisance.
(c) The TMBCI Tribal Judge may assess costs and expenses to the owner or keeper of the dog or cat.
Chapter 35.14 Treatment of Animals
35.14.010 Animal Neglect
(a) For purposes of this chapter, "neglect" with respect to dogs and cats, means the failure to provide an animal with:
(1) Food and water, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition;
(2) Shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition;
(3) Necessary medical attention; and
(4) An environment that is:
(A) Ventilated in a manner appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition;
(B) Cleaned in a manner appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition; and
(C) Free of conditions likely to cause injury or death to an animal of that species, breed, age, and physical condition.
(b) For purposes of this chapter, "neglect" with respect to all animals other than those included in subsection (a), means the failure to provide:
(1) Food and water that is:
(A) Appropriate for the species and the breed; and
(B) Sufficient to sustain the animal's health;
(2) Minimal protection from adverse weather conditions, as appropriate for the species and the breed; and
(3) Medical attention in the event of an injury or illness, as appropriate for the species and the breed.
(c) The following do not constitute violations of this section:
(1) Any usual and customary practice in:
(A) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the livestock industry;
(B) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing, and training of animals;
(C) The sport of rodeo;
(D) Animal racing;
(E) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(F) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(G) Wildlife management;
(H) The culinary arts;
(I) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(J) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
(2) The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
(3) Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
(d) Any person that willfully engages in animal neglect is guilty of a Class 2 Offense.
35.14.020 Animal Abuse
(a) For purposes of this chapter, "animal abuse" means any act or omission that results in physical injury to an animal or that causes the death of an animal, but does not include any act that falls within the definition of animal cruelty, as set forth in Section 35.14.030.
(b) The following do not constitute violations of this section:
(1) Any usual and customary practice in:
(A) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the livestock industry;
(B) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing, and training of animals;
(C) The sport of rodeo;
(D) Animal racing;
(E) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(F) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(G) Wildlife management;
(H) The culinary arts;
(I) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(J) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
(2) Any action taken by an individual against an animal that is attacking or is about to attack a human, a companion animal, or livestock;
(3) The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
(4) Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
(c) Any person that willfully engages in animal abuse is guilty of a Class 2 Offense for a first or a second offense and a Class 3 Offense for a third or subsequent offense occurring within ten years.
35.14.030 Animal Cruelty
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.11.040 Cruelty to Animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person and a Class [3] three offense to purposely or knowingly:
(a) Fail to provide necessary food, care, or shelter for an animal in one's custody;
(b) Leave an animal locked in a vehicle;
(c) Abandon an animal in one's custody;
(d) Kill, torture, injure, or administer poison to an animal without legal license to do so; or
(1) Conviction under this section will result of the confiscation of the cruelly treated animal(s) belonging to the accused, and it shall be proper if convicted, for the court in its discretion to order a final determination of the custody of the confiscated animal(s).
(2) If the animal is to be destroyed, the manner employed will not be unnecessarily cruel and the expense of a veterinarian shall be imposed upon the original owner.
(3) Any person who shall torture or cruelly mistreat any animal, or fail to take proper care of any domesticated animal, shall be guilty of a Class [3] three offense.
(4) A person who is convicted of Section 26.11.040 shall be responsible for the cost of impoundment of an animal(s) and will be responsible for the animal(s) food during impoundment during its confinement.
(5) The Tribal Court shall order, if an animal(s) is impounded under Section 26.11.040, be spayed or neutered, be registered and given rabies vaccinations. The cost of the medical procedures will be paid to the Turtle Mountain Animal Control/Pound if the original owner is found not guilty or a new owner purchases the animal(s).
(e) The following do not constitute violations of this section:
(1) Any usual and customary practice in:
(A) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the livestock industry;
(B) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing, and training of animals;
(C) The sport of rodeo;
(D) Animal racing;
(E) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(F) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(G) Wildlife management;
(H) The culinary arts;
(I) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(J) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
(2) Any action taken by an individual against an animal that is attacking or is about to attack a human, a companion animal, or livestock;
(3) The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
(4) Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
35.14.040 Cruelty to Livestock
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.11.050 Cruelty to Livestock.
(a) Any person(s)shall be guilty of a Class [3] three offense who does not supply the livestock animal a sufficient quantity of wholesome food and water when causing or confining the livestock animal.
(b) This section also provides that any officer of the department of health, environmental control, animal control or law enforcement may lawfully destroy, or cause to be destroyed, any animal found abandoned and not properly cared for, appearing to be infectiously diseased, injured past recovery for any useful purpose.
35.14.050 Warrant to seize the animal(s)
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.11.060 Warrant to seize the animal(s).
(a) On a showing of probable cause to the Tribal Court to believe that the animal has been or is being cruelly treated, the court shall issue the warrant, forthwith, and set a time within [10] ten days of the date of issuance of the warrant for a show cause hearing to determine whether the animal has been cruelly treated.
(b) The officer executing the warrant shall cause the animal to be impounded and shall give written notice to the owner of the livestock of the time and place of the hearing.
35.14.060 Order of sale or return of animal(s)
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.11.070 Order of sale or return of animal(s).
(a) Each interested party is entitled to an opportunity to present evidence at the hearing.
(b) A finding in Tribal Court that the owner of an animal is guilty of an offense under Section 26.14.090, involving the animal as prima facie evidence at a hearing that the animal has been cruelly treated shall be guilty of a Class [4] four offense.
(c) If the court finds that the owner has cruelly treated the animal and that the animal is farm livestock, the owner shall be denied ownership and the court shall order a sale of the animal by public notice, order the animal given to a society for the protection of animals, or order the animal humanely destroyed if the court decides that the best interests of the animal or that the public health and safety would be served by doing so.
(d) The former owner of a cruelly treated animal or the owner's representative will not be accepted.
(e) If the animal is unable to sell, the court may give the Animal to a society for the protection of animals.
(f) The court shall order the animal returned to the owner if the court does not find that the animal has cruelly treated the animal.
(g) Proceeds from the sale of the animal shall be applied first to the expenses incurred in caring for the animal during impoundment and the sale of the animal shall pay any excess proceeds to the court ordering the sale.
(h) An owner of an animal ordered to be sold at public auction as provided in this subchapter may appeal the order.
(i) While an appeal under this section is pending, the animal will not be sold, destroyed, or given away.
35.14.070 Livestock running at large
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.11.080 Livestock running at large.
(a) It shall be unlawful and a Class [3] three offense for any owner or person having the control of any such animal to permit the animal to run at large on the jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Reservation.
(b) Any person who shall knowingly and negligently permit the running at large of any livestock shall be guilty of a Class [4] four offense and shall be responsible for restitution to the person(s) injured and/or the property damages sustained by the wronged person.
35.14.080 Misbranding in the Livestock Industry
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.14.090 Misbranding in the Livestock Industry.
(a) Any person who shall knowingly and willfully misbrands or alters any brand or mark on any livestock of another person shall be guilty of a Class [3] offense.
(b) Any person who knowingly buys and sells livestock that has been misbranded or alters any brand or mark shall be guilty of a Class [4] four offense and shall be responsible for restitution to the original owner.
35.14.090 Dog Fighting
Reference TMBCI Tribal Code 26.14.100 Dog Fighting.
(a) Any person who is guilty of the following shall be guilty of a Class [4] four offense:
(1) causes an animal to fight; or
(2) trains an animal under circumstances showing an intent to have the dog fight; or
(3) lets an animal fight, or be trained to fight, on premises under one's control; or
(4) owns or keeps an animal trained to fight on premises used for fighting.
(b) Any person who attends, pays an admission fee or makes a bet at a dog fight is guilty of a Class [3] three offense.
35.14.100 Animal abandonment
(a) For purposes of this chapter, "abandonment" means the relinquishment of a person's custody or control, with no intention of reclaiming that custody or control, and without placing the animal into the custody or control of another person that is able to provide care for the animal and who knowingly and willingly accepts that responsibility. The term includes:
(1) The desertion of an animal; and
(2) The failure to retrieve an animal within forty-eight hours after the agreed-upon conclusion of a boarding contract or other service contract.
(b) The following do not constitute violations of this section:
(1) Any usual and customary practice in:
(A) The production of food, feed, fiber, or ornament, including all aspects of the livestock industry;
(B) The boarding, breeding, competition, exhibition, feeding, raising, showing, and training of animals;
(C) The sport of rodeo;
(D) Animal racing;
(E) The use of animals by exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq.;
(F) Fishing, hunting, and trapping;
(G) Wildlife management;
(H) The culinary arts;
(I) Lawful research and educational activities; and
(J) Pest, vermin, predator, and animal damage control, including the disposition of wild animals that have entered structures or personal property;
(2) The humane or swift destruction of an animal for cause; and
(3) Services provided by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
(c) For purposes of this section, "care" means food, water, and shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition, and necessary medical attention.
(d) Any person that willfully engages in the abandonment of an animal is guilty of a Class 2 Offense.
35.14.110 Abandoned animal
(a) A law enforcement officer may take custody of an animal if the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the animal has been abandoned in violation of this chapter.
(b)(1) Upon taking custody of an animal in accordance with this section, the law enforcement officer shall:
(A) Provide care for the animal, either directly or through a contractual arrangement with another person; and
(B)(i) Notify the owner, if known to the officer; or
(ii) If the owner is not known to the officer, provide notice of the animal's custody, indicate that if the owner does not lay claim to the animal within five days, the animal will be sold, placed for adoption, or humanely destroyed, at the direction of the law enforcement officer, and include the officer's contact information.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, notice may be provided by:
(A) Publication in the official newspaper of TMBCI;
(B) Any electronic means; or
(C) Posting a description and a photograph at the local law enforcement center.
(c) If the owner is identified within the five-day period, the law enforcement officer shall return the animal to the owner only if:
(1) The owner demonstrates that the animal was not abandoned in violation of this chapter; and
(2) The owner pays for all costs associated with the animal's care while in custody, including any costs of notifications under this section.
(d) If the law enforcement officer refuses to return the animal to its owner, the owner may petition the TMBCI Tribal Court for an order directing its return. In ruling on a petition under this subsection, TMBCI Tribal Court may direct that the animal be sold, placed for adoption, humanely destroyed, or returned to its owner with or without conditions.
(e) If the owner does not lay claim to the animal within five days, the law enforcement officer shall sell the animal, place it for adoption, or humanely destroy it.
(f) Any proceeds from the sale or adoption of an animal under this section must be deposited in the TMBCI general fund.
(g) Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, if upon examining an animal taken into custody by a law enforcement officer in accordance with this section a licensed veterinarian determines that the animal's condition justifies its destruction, the veterinarian shall humanely destroy the animal. The law enforcement agency shall reimburse the veterinarian for the cost of the animal's destruction.
(h) For purposes of this section, "care" means food, water, and shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the animal's age and physical condition, and necessary medical attention.
35.14.120 Veterinarian
If upon examining an animal a licensed veterinarian determines that there is reasonable cause to believe an animal has been neglected, abused, treated cruelly, or subjected to any act or omission in violation of this chapter, the veterinarian may retain custody of the animal and shall immediately notify law enforcement officials regarding the determination.
35.14.130 Unattended animal in motor vehicle
(a) An individual may not leave an animal unattended in a motor vehicle without ensuring that the animal's health and safety is not endangered.
(b) A law enforcement officer may use reasonable means to enter a motor vehicle and remove an animal left in violation of this section.
(c) An individual who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 Offense.
35.14.140 Immunity from liability.
A veterinarian is immune from civil or criminal liability if the veterinarian, on the veterinarian's own initiative or at the request of a law enforcement officer or other governmental entity, renders emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal under this chapter. Immunity under this section does not apply in the case of negligence.
35.14.150 Multiple animals. Enhancement of offense.
If a violation of this chapter involves multiple animals, whether of the same species or not, the violation is deemed to be a singular offense for purposes of enhancement.
Chapter 35.15 Livestock and Poultry Care
35.15.010 Providing food and water.
A person responsible for caring for livestock or poultry must provide the animals access to food and water that can reasonably be expected to maintain the health of animals of that species, breed, sex, and age, raised using the applicable production method.
35.15.020 Providing shelter.
A person responsible for caring for livestock or poultry must provide the animals access to sufficient shelter from the weather when it can reasonably be expected to be necessary to maintain the health of animals of that species, breed, sex, and age, raised using the applicable production method.
35.15.030 Protection from injury or disease.
(a) A person responsible for caring for livestock or poultry must take reasonable measures to protect the animals from an injury or disease that can reasonably be expected to seriously endanger the life or health of animals of that species, breed, sex, and age, raised using the applicable production method.
(b) A person responsible for caring for livestock or poultry with an injury or disease that seriously endangers the life or health of the animal must either:
(1) provide treatment that can reasonably be expected to be sufficient for animals of that species, breed, sex, and age, raised using the applicable production method; or
(2) euthanize the animal.
35.15.040 Environment
A person responsible for caring for livestock or poultry must provide the animals with an environment that can reasonably be expected to maintain the health of animals of that species, breed, sex, and age, raised using the applicable production method, such environment shall consider the necessary space for maintenance of animal size and breed.
35.15.050 Handling, restraining, or transporting livestock or poultry
A person handling, restraining, or transporting livestock or poultry must use methods and equipment that can reasonably be expected to prevent an injury that would endanger the life or health of animals of that species, breed, sex, and age, raised using the applicable production method.