The following is very basic information about the three candidates running for Governor in Minnesota this year. As animal issues and the animal advocacy movement continue to gain prominence, we're hopeful that future gubernatorial candidates will address animal protection issues in depth.
Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection does not evaluate candidates’ positions on taxes, education, health care, or social issues. To the degree that animal protection issues are important to you, we offer this review to be combined with other, personal considerations to determine your vote on November 2, 2010.
2010 Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidates
Mark Dayton
Dayton’s campaign contacted Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection, but they were unable to complete our questionnaire before our deadline. There is not much information on animal issues on the Dayton website, but you may be interested to learn his position on agricultural issues.
Tom Emmer
Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection tried, but was unable to get any response from the Emmer campaign about animal issues. Emmer received an ‘incomplete’ score in MVAP’s Humane Scorecard. He voted for the animals on the Pets in Orders for Protection bill and against the animals on the Cocoa Mulch Warning Label bill. You may read more about Emmer’s position on agriculture here, and his position on hunting and trapping here.
Tom Horner
Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection was contacted by the Horner campaign, but they were unable to complete our questionnaire before our deadline. The Horner campaign sent MVAP a letter expressing concern for and interest in protecting animals through public policy- read the letter here. The other available information from his website is his postion on Racino- adding slot machines to the horse racing tracks at Canterbury and Running Aces.
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Here is more information on the other candidates running for governor
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As with any candidate, the more these candidates hear from us about how important animal issues are, the more responsive they’ll grow to be. Take a few moments to contact these candidates to ask them their views on animal issues. Sample questions are posted below, but you should feel free to ask, in your own words, about the issues that matter to you most.
Sample questions for candidates
Have you taken any actions in the past to positively impact the humane treatment and protection of animals? Include any actions taken while in office or as a private citizen.
Are there any programs or policies you would like to see implemented to encourage stronger protections for animals?
Do you have any animals (companion or otherwise) now or would you have any animals if your living arrangements permitted you to do so?
Issue questions
Puppy and Kitten Mills
Large breeding operations that breed and house many dogs and cats (some upwards of a thousand) are commonly referred to as ‘puppy mills’ or ‘kitten mills’. Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies in the United States, with some of the largest puppy/kitten mills in the nation. Minnesota does not regulate this multi-million dollar industry.
Breeders who are focused on mass producing puppies and kittens often do not provide proper care for the animals. Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens may be housed in cages stacked one on top of the other, and the cages are frequently overcrowded and filthy. To increase profit margins, breeders may cut corners by providing minimal veterinary care, inadequate ventilation, and/or no bedding or protection from the elements. Many animals become sick, thin, injured, diseased, and develop behavioral issues. The breeders often hire few employees which results in limited or no human contact, exercise or socialization for the animals.
Breeders who sell their puppies and kittens directly to the public (over the Internet, through ads in the newspaper, or who ‘set up shop’ in parking lots) are completely unregulated by state or federal law. Minnesota has no laws that regulate the dog and cat breeding industry.
If elected, would you support legislation that regulates the breeding of dogs and cats by giving the State of Minnesota the authority to 1) license larger breeders of dogs and cats, 2) inspect facilities, 3) enforce laws and regulations, and 4) impose civil and criminal penalties?
Protections for Horses
In 2009-2010 the Minnesota Legislature considered a pro-horse slaughter resolution, but the bill failed to become law. The resolution urged Congress to oppose the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act—federal legislation that would prohibit the transport and slaughter of American horses for human consumption.
The history of horses in the United States has been one of work, companionship and sport. Their strength and endurance have carried people across the country, settled land, and worked fields.
Horses have never been raised as a source of food in this country. In 2007, horse slaughter ended in the U.S. when legislation was passed in Texas and Illinois. However, since the slaughtering of horses was not banned by federal law, American horses are now being shipped to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.
In Mexico, a “puntilla knife” is used to stab the horse multiple times in the neck. This is not a stunning method, nor does it render the horse unconscious. Instead it severs the spinal cord and paralyzes the horse where it is unable to move or breathe. The animal then dies from suffocation or from blood loss and dismemberment. In Canada, the captive bolt process is used which involves aiming a bolt gun at the forehead of a partially restrained horse. Often, human and technical error leads to horses being conscious while they are hung up and bled to death.
Proponents of pro-horse slaughter legislation in Minnesota claim there has been an increase in the number of abandoned and unwanted horses in the United States, and a slaughter ban will lead to an increase in horse abuse and starvation or neglect cases in Minnesota and around the country.
However, there is no evidence to support these claims. The vast majority of horses that currently wind up at slaughterhouses are in good condition (92.3 percent according to the USDA Guidelines for Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter). The remaining 7 to 8 percent who may need rescue may either be placed at one of the more than 400 horse rescue and sanctuary facilities in the United States or be humanely euthanized. Euthanasia is a viable and relatively inexpensive option for horse owners who no longer want their horses.
If elected, would you oppose pro-horse slaughter legislation?
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Please keep in touch if you hear back from candidates. Thank you for taking the time to be engaged on behalf of animals!
