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.

For current status of the bill, go to follow the vote.

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:

• Give your name and address.
• Say you support Senate File 7/House File 253, known as the Minnesota Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill. NOTE: 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 are already in full support as are the co-authors.
• Briefly explain why: Minnesota has no state laws to regulate dog and cat breeders. This bill will give Minnesota the authority to: 1) license commercial dog and cat breeders; 2) conduct inspections; 3) enforce existing laws, rules and regulations; and 4) impose penalties for breeders who break the law. If there's time, explain why inhumane dog and cat breeding concerns you, i.e. you want the State of Minnesota to assume more oversight in animal protection and require breeders to act responsibly.
• Explain you're a Minnesota resident and offer other details, if you wish (i.e. you’re a mother or father, a homemaker or businessperson, you have a dog, a cat, kids). This is important to you and your family.
• Also, be sure to ask what your legislator's viewpoint is on inhumane dog and cat breeding. Some legislators are well aware of the issue and will support legislation; others oppose any legislation. Some legislators aren't aware of the issue and may need to be educated. Politely encourage them to explain their view and ask if you can count on their support. Legislators represent you, and it's fair to question what they believe or don't believe.
• Some legislators have already publicly expressed their support for S.F. 7/H.F. 253. The two authors, Senator Don Betzold and Representative Tom Tillberry, obviously support the bill. Other legislators signed on as co-authors. If your legislator is an author or co-author, please call and tell them thank you for their support in 2009 and their continued support in 2010. Thanks!

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.

Animal Folks MN is collaborating with other Minnesotans and organizations who are working hard to advance S.F.7 / H.F. 253. If you hear from your legislators, please forward responses to Animal Folks MN.