Virtual File - Item

Text: The Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bill has been introduced for the 2013-2014 Minnesota Legislative session. Bill numbers are: S.F. 36 (author Sen. John Marty) and H.F. 84 (author Representative John Lesch).

Animal Folks MN is part of the Speak Up for Dogs and Cats coalition. This coalition, together with thousands of citizens and supporters, has been working to pass dog and cat breeder regulation in Minnesota and ensure the health and safety of dogs and cats in breeding facilities.

KEY MESSAGE: Commercial dog and cat breeding is a business. And yet, unlike other industries, these businesses are not required to obtain a State license to operate and there are no established inspections by the State to enforce standards of care. Lack of oversight results in substandard and deplorable breeding conditions which harm animals, consumers and communities.

The goal of S.F. 36/H.F. 84 is to ensure healthy and safe dogs and cats in breeding facilities by regulating the dog and cat breeding industry in Minnesota through:

• Licensing -- Require commercial dog and cat breeders in Minnesota to be licensed.
• Inspections and Enforcement -- Give the Minnesota Board of Animal Health the authority to inspect commercial dog and cat breeding facilities and enforce existing State laws to ensure animal care standards are met.
• Penalties -- Impose civil, administrative and criminal penalties for those who violate the law.

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

Commercial dog and cat breeders (those who produce animals for sale or resale) are businesses, yet this industry is not regulated to ensure high standards or quality conditions. Minnesota has no State laws to license, inspect or regulate dog and cat breeding facilities in Minnesota.

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 200, 500 or over 1,000 more dogs and puppies. Kittens are also mass-produced in Min- nesota. Dog and cat breeders are located in all areas of the State.

While many breeders in Minnesota act responsibly, there are unscrupulous or negligent breeders who have created substandard or deplorable breeding conditions. Adult dogs and cats live their lives in small, overcrowded cages or pens and are bred repeatedly. Animals may be malnourished from inadequate food and water, receive little or no veterinary care, are stressed from constant confinement and neglect, have fleas, worms and other ailments due to unsanitary conditions, etc. With many of these types of breeders, the animals are rarely, if at all, provided positive and consistent human interaction or socialization, resulting in psychological and behavioral problems.

Potential to get worse

Many states have passed breeder laws; however, it's been proven that some breeders then move to unregulated states. In 2009, Wisconsin passed the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill. In 2009, Iowa, too, strengthened its existing dog breeder law by including USDA-licensed breeders along with statelicensed breeders in its regulations. Minnesota remains unregulated.

Current "system" is not working

Animal anti-cruelty statutes in Minnesota are vital, but these laws kick in after the cruelty occurs -- and only if a person sees and reports the cruelty to authorities, law enforcement investigates, and the prosecutor pursues the case. Regulation is preventative -- allowing authorities to legally enter the property and inspect breeding facilities so conditions can be assessed and cruelty can be prevented before it occurs.

A large coalition of Minnesotans have been working hard for several years to pass legislation to regulate the dog and cat breeding industry and ensure dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are healthy and safe in breeding facilities. Efforts are supported by Minnesota humane societies, rescue groups, animal control, veterinarians, businesses, legislators, students, law enforcement, lawyers and community members.

Source: www.animalfolksmn.org