The issue of inhumane dog and cat breeding in Minnesota has been well documented, and efforts have been underway for several years to enact legislation to address the problem.

There are several ways you can help:

• Educate your Minnesota legislators about the need for dog and cat breeder regulation. Sign our online petition.

Download and print petitions for friends and family to sign. Download here.

2012 is an election year! Sign up to speak to candidates in your district about the issue and to encourage their support. Sign up here.

THE SITUATION
The problem is inhumane dog and cat breeding practices in Minnesota by unscrupulous or negligent breeders, and a lack of oversight of this industry.

No state laws
Minnesota has no state laws to license, inspect or regulate the dog and cat breeding industry.

Top producers
Minnesota is 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 are also mass-produced in Minnesota.

Substandard and deplorable conditions
While many breeders in Minnesota act responsibly, there are unscrupulous or negligent breeders who have created deplorable breeding conditions. Adult dogs and cats live their entire lives in small, overcrowded cages and are 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, receive little of not 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. The animals are rarely, if at all, provided human interaction or socialization, resulting in behavioral problems (including aggression and anxiety).

Additional information on dog and cat breeding in Minnesota here

Thank you for taking action and speaking up for Minnesota’s dogs and cats!