Animal Folks Minnesota

There are three types of courts in Minnesota: District Courts, Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court. Each is important as they can determine the fate, through judicial decisions, of animal protection, care and welfare.

As there is no State law regulating the dog and cat breeding industry in Minnesota, the District Courts and Court of Appeals are particularly influential because many dog and cat breeding issues are impacted by decisions at the local level. The Courts can agree or overturn certain local decisions.

The District (Trial) Courts
All civil disputes and criminal cases are resolved by the District Courts, as well as family, juvenile and probate actions and violations of city ordinances. There are ten judicial districts and 281 district court judges. (The geography for the District courts is not the same as the geographical borders for political, voting districts.)

The Court of Appeals
If you disagree with a decision made by the District Courts, state agencies or local governments, the issue can be brought before the Court of Appeals. The purpose of this Court is to correct errors — to look at the laws and decisions from a legal standpoint and determine if an error has been made. The Minnesota Court of Appeals has 16 judges.

NOTE: As an example, Morrison County Commissioners recently granted a conditional use permit (CUP) to a breeder, allowing the breeder to operate a commercial kennel with 500 adult dogs and unlimited puppy production. Attorneys for the Relators filed briefs with the Minnesota Court of Appeals suggesting this decision was “arbitary, capricious and unreasonable.” The Court, in a split vote, upheld the county's CUP, illustrating that the "system" to protect animals is still grounded in 20th century process and philosophy.

The Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota’s Supreme Court is “the state’s court of last resort, serving as the final guardian of the state constitution and interpreting/applying the United States Constitution.” (per Agency Profile). Its decisions impact all citizens in Minnesota. There are seven judges on the Supreme Court in Minnesota. The Minnesota Chief Justice is Russell A. Anderson.

The Minnesota Attorney General
The Attorney General is “the chief legal officer for the State of Minnesota. The Office represents and provides legal advice to over 100 state agencies, boards and commissions.” (per website) This Office is the state’s law enforcer of areas such as consumer protection. ‘Unhealthy animals’ purchased from inhumane breeders fall under consumer protection.