action > contact your State legislators

Legislators review numerous bills each legislative session. Please take the time to know your State Senator and Representative and educate them about inhumane dog and cat breeding in Minnesota. 

Find your State Senator and Representative

To find your district and State legislators, go to: Minnesota District Finder

The online District Finder is extremely easy to use. Once on the site, you’ll be asked to enter your address, city, state and zipcode. The site will then give your district along with the names, email addresses, phone numbers and a photo of your legislators.

Or, if you're in the metro area, call 1-651-296-2146 (House Public Information Services) and asks who represents you based on your address/city/zip. Out of the metro area, call 1-800-657-3550. The ‘651’ number is the House switchboard and they will connect you directly to your Representative’s or Senator’s office.

There are a total of 67 Senators in Minnesota and 134 Representatives, representing the various political districts throughout the state.

What to say or write

Legislators want to hear directly from constituents. All accept calls, emails or letters. (Calls work best because not all legislators respond to emails.)

Even though Senate File 7 did not pass (as of March 10, 2010; see follow the vote), you can still contact your legislators and educate them about inhumane dog and cat breeding and the need for regulation. Building a relationship with your legislators, one built on trust and credibility, is always important for future efforts.

If you call, the legislator may pick up the phone and you can speak with him or her directly. But, in most cases, you’ll reach the legislator's voicemail (and you can leave a message) or you'll speak with a legislative aide. The aide will take your name and comments. If you haven’t called before, just be yourself. Speak from the heart. Keep it short, yet personal. Some suggestions:

• Say: "My name is ______________(full name) and I live in __________ (city). I'm calling about inhumane dog and cat breeding in the State of Minnesota and the fact that Minnesota has no state laws to license, inspect or regulate this industry. I'm asking that ____________ (Senator or Representative's name) support regulation of dog and cat breeders. It's time Minnesota assumes a leadership role and protects animals and consumers."
• Also, ask your legislator what his or her stance is on animal and consumer protection. Ask what they know about puppy and kitten mills. Legislators represent you, and it's fair to question what they believe.
• If there's time or if the legislator asks why, briefly explain why this issue is important to you and your family: Maybe you have a dog or cat that you care about dearly, or have rescued animals from puppy and kitten mills. Maybe you've been sold a sick dog or cat and have seen firsthand the effects of inhumane breeding. Minnesota has no state laws to regulate dog and cat breeders and, as a result, animals are harmed and consumers are sold unhealthy pets.

For further details, review Talking Points and other information on this website.

IMPORTANT: Some legislators have already publicly expressed their support for S.F. 7/H.F. 253, which would have regulated dog and cat breeders. Senator Don Betzold is the author of S.F. 7 (Senate) and Representative Tom Tillberry is the author of H.F. 253 (House). As the bill's authors, they were in full support as were the co-authors.

Legislator Responses

All legislators vary in how and when they respond to constituents.

• Some legislators answer their own emails; some do not. Some prefer phone calls or letters. Some respond in days; others take months.
• Many times the legislative aide responds and may send a "form" email or letter to you. Because a legislator or aide may not know the details of every bill at the Legislature, they may choose from a variety of generic responses that have already been written: 1) support; 2) neutral: or 3) against. This is why it's important to get to know your legislators and provide them with information and insight — so they learn to trust you and your opinion and their responses reflect this insight.
• Even though certain legislators express opposition, they cannot ignore constituents with firsthand knowledge and stories that relate to their community.
• Many dog/cat breeders and those who profit from the breeding industry have been lobbying legislators heavily during the interim months between the 2009 and 2010 sessions. Some people have provided legislators with misinformation. Sometimes this is done intentionally (so as to confuse legislators); sometimes it's based on ignorance (they may not have read the bill). If a legislator opposes the bill, ask why. Every conversation is an opportunity to  inform and educate.

To review a few statements made by certain legislators or groups who oppose S.F. 7 / H.F. 253 (and responses to those statements), go to Opposition.

If you hear from your legislators, please forward responses to Animal Folks MN.