The 2012 Minnesota legislative session began on January 24, and this important bill needs your help.
The Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bill, S.F. 462/H.F. 702, was introduced in 2011. It is still alive and has a chance to be heard during the 2012 Minnesota legislative session.
Minnesota has no state laws, rules, licensing or regulations to address the care of cats and dogs in commercial breeding facilities. That is why this bill is so important. S.F. 462/H.F. 702 will provide basic licensing and regulation for this industry.
Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection is part of a large coalition of humane societies, rescue groups, animal control, veterinarians, and individuals who been working hard for several years to pass legislation to regulate this industry. Numerous other supporters, including other humane societies, rescue groups, veterinarians, law enforcement, students, legislators, businesses and community members representing the interests of Minnesota who understand the need for breeder regulation have been working with the coalition to help pass these bills.
We need YOUR help in raising awareness and educating legislators. Your voice can make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats in Minnesota.
Bill Status
S.F. 462/H.F. 702 was introduced in the 2011 Minnesota legislative session. As Minnesota operates on a two-year legislative cycle (2011-2012), S.F. 462/H.F. 702 can be heard in 2012 – same language and same bill numbers.
Bill Recap
A recap of what was accomplished in 2011:
- Many meetings were held with legislators educating them on inhumane dog and cat breeding in Minnesota and explaining why S.F. 462/H.F. 702 is needed.
- Meetings were also held with veterinarians, the Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, large and small breeders, sportsmen/women, and other stakeholders to gather input and provide feedback and information.
- Over 40 Minnesota shelters, rescues, and animal control, and the Animal Law Section of the MN State Bar Association support S.F. 462/H.F. 702.
- Over 180 Minnesota veterinarians and vet techs have signed letters supporting these bills (more are signing on each week).
- Over 7,700 petitions were signed by Minnesotans in 2011 and over 10,000 in 2010 which were all delivered to the constituents’ Senators and Representatives. As petitions arrive in 2012, those will be delivered to legislators as well.
Opposition
Opposition is strong from agribusiness and their associations, some sportsmen/women groups, the National Rifle Association, breeder registries, and some breeders. (Reputable breeders already comply with existing Minnesota anti-cruelty laws and understand the need for regulation; they expect that of all breeders.)
Coalition
Coalition members supporting this legislation include A Rotta Love Plus, Animal Folks MN, Animal Humane Society, Minnesota Animal Control Association, Minnesota Humane Society, Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection, Minnkota Persian Rescue, Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota, Retrieve A Golden of Minnesota, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Tri-County Humane Society, and individuals.
The Problem
There is no State oversight and there are no State laws, inspections or regulations covering dog and cat breeding facilities in Minnesota; as a result, dogs and cats are harmed by inhumane breeding practices.
Minnesota is also among the top producers of puppies in the United States with some of the largest breeding kennels in the nation – housing 300, 600 or over 1,000 dogs and puppies. Kittens, too, are mass-produced in Minnesota.
The conditions can be horrific:
- Many dogs and cats living out their lives in small, overcrowded wire cages and bred repeatedly.
- Cages are often stacked, allowing feces and urine to fall onto the animals below.
- Animals may be malnourished from inadequate food and water.
- Animals receive little or no veterinary care, are stressed from constant confinement and neglect, have fleas, worms, etc.
- Many have deformed paws, are severely matted, or are burned from sitting and standing in urine and feces.
- And, they are rarely, if at all, provided human socialization.
While many breeders in Minnesota act responsibly, there are increasing reports of those who keep dogs and cats in deplorable conditions and who are willing to make a profit at the expense of the animals’ health and well being. The puppies and kittens are then sold to the public and many are sick, diseased, and have genetic problems.
In Addition
USDA only licenses breeders who sell wholesale
Only breeders who breed and deal puppies and kittens wholesale (e.g., pet shops, etc.) are licensed and inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); and USDA inspection reports show multiple ongoing violations and enforcement is lacking. The vast majority of breeders in Minnesota do not sell to pet stores, but sell directly to the public, such as through websites, parking lots or newspaper ads. None of these activities are regulated.
Current “system” is not working
Animal anti-cruelty laws exist in Minnesota. But these laws kick in after the cruelty occurs – if someone files a complaint and if action is taken. Regulation is preventative – allowing authorities to legally inspect breeding facilities so cruelty can be prevented before it occurs. Relying solely on citizen complaints, cruelty investigations and prosecution is time-consuming and costly for local law enforcement, animal control, nonprofit animal shelters and rescue organizations, and the courts. Regulation is a more efficient use of resources.
Sales tax not being paid
Many commercial dog and cat breeders are not paying the required State sales tax on the puppies and kittens sold, resulting in millions of dollars of lost revenue to the State.
Other states are already regulated
Because our neighboring states (Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska) all have breeder regulation laws on the books, Minnesota will soon become a “safe haven” for inhumane breeders to move.
Here is more information about inhumane dog and cat breeding in Minnesota.
The Solution
The goal of breeder regulation is healthy and safe dogs and cats within commercial breeding facilities.
S.F. 462 and H.F. 702 address the problem of inhumane breeding by giving the State of Minnesota the authority to:
- License - Require commercial dog and cat breeders inMinnesota to be licensed;
- Inspect and Enforce – Give legal authority to the Board of Animal Health to inspect commercial dog and cat breeding facilities and enforce existing State laws to ensure animal care standards are met; and
- Penalties - Impose civil, administrative and criminal penalties for those who violate the law.
S.F. 462 and H.F. 702 are responsible bills because they address the core problem, work hand-in-hand with existing Minnesota anti-cruelty laws, and have strong support.
ACTION TO TAKE FOR S.F. 462/H.F. 702
Please contact your own State Senator and Representative now.
Ask them to support S.F. 462 (authored by Senator Goodwin) and H.F. 702 (authored by Representative Lesch) and educate them on what goes on in Minnesota dog and cat breeding facilities. Be sure to mention the bill numbers and authors’ names. Getting to know your legislators is important; relationships are key to winning trust and votes.
If you don’t know who your State Senator and Representative are (or your district), you can find that information here.
For in-depth information about dog and cat breeding in Minnesota, please visit Animal Folks.
