Be a voice for the animals

Can you imagine your pet(s) not having enough food and water or a warm, safe place to sleep? What if they weren’t given the opportunity to exercise or experience everyday interactions with humans?

For many dogs and cats across the state of Minnesota those circumstances are the only ones they know. Join us in our efforts to help these animals.

The situation
Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies and kittens in the United States. Breeding these animals is a multi-million dollar industry with no state oversight or regulation. While many breeders in Minnesota act responsibly, there are reports of breeding facilities housing more than 1,000 animals. The problem is the inhumane breeding and care practices. Many of the animals live in horrific conditions—cages stacked on top of one another in unsanitary conditions, inadequate food, water and veterinary care; with animals receiving little or no exercise or socialization.

What we can do about it
We're working with 32 Minnesota animal welfare organizations and the National Federation of Humane Societies on the Puppy and Kitten Mill bill which has been introduced in Minnesota's current legislative session. The bill will give the Minnesota Board of Animal Health the authority to license breeders and hold them accountable to comply with existing applicable care standards under federal and state laws and regulations. In turn, this will allow our humane investigators (the only two full-time investigators in the state) the statutory authority to more effectively help reduce the suffering of animals confined and living in inhumane conditions. More specifically, the proposed bill will:

• Improve the ability to regulate breeding facilities of cats and dogs and ensure that breeders comply with existing laws and regulations and meet specific standards of care,
• Provide licensing and regulatory authority to a single unit of government.
  Provide corrective orders, and administrative and criminal penalties for violations.
• In our work, we see the tragic results of animals coming out of these facilities.

Our work is only in the beginning stages. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Puppy and Kitten Mill bill (SF 7/HF 253) did not pass in the 2009 Minnesota legislature. With your help, the bill will pass in the 2010 Minnesota legislative session and breeders will be required to act responsibly.

Remember, many states have enacted legislation that regulates puppy mills in this country. Minnesota can no longer turn its back on animal cruelty.