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issue > commercial breeders > licensing
USDA-licensed dog and cat breeders represent a fraction of all breeders in Minnesota. However, some of these breeders are massive in size (keeping 500, 800, or over 1,000 adult breeding dogs) which results in numerous litters being born and sold yearly.
Located across the entire State of Minnesota
As of February 2024, there are 13 Class A (USDA-licensed) dog breeders in Minnesota. Licensees may change. An active list for every state can be found at USDA-APHIS-AWA. The Minnesota license number starts with 41; breeders are classified as A, brokers are B exhibitors are C, researchers are R, carriers are T.
There are 5 Class B (USDA-licensed) dog dealers. (A dealer acts as a broker; can buy from other breeders and re-sale to pet stores or other entities.)
USDA-licensed commercial breeding kennels and dealers are located across Minnesota.
The highest concentration of these type of kennels used to be in Morrison County. Winona County is now documented as having the most USDA-licensed dog breeding kennels.
NOTE: The federal definition of "commercial breeder" (per the Animal Welfare Act) differs from the State of Minnesota definition.
Size and number of USDA-licensed kennels
A review of USDA inspection reports (available through the Freedom of Information Act) show some Minnesota puppy mills house more than 1,000 dogs and puppies each. Previous years documented one kennel (Clearwater Kennels, now known as A.J. Angels) having over 1,700 dogs and puppies. A large kennel may house hundreds of adult dogs (intact females and stud males) and produce unlimited puppies. A female, bred continuously, could have 2 litters per year with an average of four-six puppies per litter.
NOTE: Breeders who have cancelled a USDA license may still be operating. They either don't meet the definition of commercial dog breeder under the Animal Welfare Act (requiring a federal license) or they are operating illegally without the required license.
USDA Search Tools
USDA APHIS Public Search Tool
CLASS A USDA LICENSEES AS OF 2024
| USDA License # (Class A) |
Name/Doing Business As |
City/County |
Notes |
41-A-0478
Cancelled license 11/06/2023 |
Toby Detweiler / Hidden Hollow Kennel |
St Charles / Winona County |
USDA inspection on 6/07/23 reported 58 animals (9 dogs and 49 puppies)
170 total dogs/puppies.
72 adult dogs and 98 puppies per 03-01-21 USDA inspection report. 40 dogs and 20 puppies as of 01/13/2020 USDA inspection report. 37 dogs and 12 puppies as of 02/08/19 USDA inspection report. 40 adult dogs and 55 puppies as of October 2016 USDA inspection report. |
41-A-0323
Cancelled license
10/24/22 |
Barbara Hubner and Lorie Hunt-Heaton |
Pipestone / Pipestone County |
USDA inspection on 3/22/2022 reported 52 aniamls (38 dogs and 14 puppies)
52 dogs and puppies (38 adult dogs and 14 puppies) per03/22/22 USDA inspection report. 91 adult dogs and 37 puppies as of 02/19/2020 USDA inspection report. In 2018 (04/10/18), USDA inspection reports showed 117 adult dogs and 47 puppies. In October 2016, reported to have 52 adult dogs and 125 puppies (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0492
Cancelled license
12/08/2022 |
Iden Rye Kennel / Alex Iden, DVM |
Raymond / Kandiyohi County |
USDA inspection on 12/07/22 reported 32 animals (28 dogs and 4 puppies)
26 adult dogs and 1 puppies
as of 02/06/2020 USDA inspection report. 22 dogs and 22 puppies reported on 05/03/18 USDA inspection reports. |
41-A-0015
NOTE: Violation reported on 2023 inspection report |
Craig and Linda M. Kleven / Fair View Kennels |
Walnut Grove / Redwood County |
USDA inspection on 10/17/2023 reported 52 animals (42 dogs and 10 puppies
75 total dogs/puppies: 56 dogs and 19 puppies on 2/1/22 USDA inspection report. 112 total dogs/puppies. 77 adult dogs and 35 puppies on 01/28/2020 USDA inspection report. 89 adult dogs and 29 puppies as of 11/28/2018 USDA inspection report. In December 2016, reported to have 98 adult dogs and 26 puppies (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0349
NOTE: 2023 inspection report showed multiple violations |
Daniel Kuehne |
Reading / Nobles County |
USDA inspection on 12/20/2023 reported 352 animals (214 dogs and 138 puppies)
545 total dogs/puppies as per 10/13/21 USDA inspection report (319 adult dogs and 226 puppies). In 08/14/19: 579 total dogs/puppies. 327 adult dogs and 252 puppies reported USDA inspection report. 339 adult dogs and 192 puppies as of 02/18/2018 USDA inspection report. In December 2016, reported to have 321 adult dogs and 231 puppies (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0484
License started: March 9, 2016
(formerly operated as Clearwater Kennel by Wanda Kretzman) |
Angie McDuffee/AJ's Angels |
Cushing / Morrison County |
885 total dogs/puppies (549 adult dogs and 336 puppies) as of 2022, making it the largest dog breeder in Minnesota.
Past years kennel had over 1,000 dogs. Kennel had 1,172 total dogs/puppies as a of 10-21-21 USDA inspection report (786 adult dogs and 386 puppies).
On 08-15-19: 1,267 total dogs/puppies (758 adult dogs and 509 puppies) reported USDA inspection report. In 2018, they had over 1,300 dogs/puppies. 774 adult dogs and 594 puppies on 06/13/2018 USDA inspection report. This is up from 1,030 dogs and puppies (648 adult dogs and 382 puppies) as of July 2016 USDA inspection report. |
| 41-A-0497 |
Prairie Springs Kennel - John Petersen |
Mabel / Fillmore County |
USDA inspection on 12/05/2023 reported 68 aniamls (35 dogs and 33 puppies)
79 (48/31) dogs and puppies as of 01-31-23.
111 total dogs/puppies. 56 adult dogs and 55 puppies per 01-21-21 USDA inspection report. 50 adult dogs and 58 puppies reported on 01/22/20 USDA inspection report. 55 adult dogs and 93 puppies on 06/24/19 USDA inspection report. 54 adult dogs and 118 puppies as of 05/29/19 USDA inspection report. 53 adult dogs and 39 puppies on 07/24/18 USDA inspection report. Prelicense inspection on 02/23/18. |
41-A-0482
Cancelled license on 12/16/2022 |
Justin Sawyer / Foot Hills Farm |
Backus / Cass County |
USDA inspection on 09/10/2019 reported 189 animals (152 dogs and 37 puppies)
241 total dogs/puppies. 159 adult dogs and 82 puppies reported on 08/13/19 USDA inspection report. This is a significant increase from prior years. 96 adult dogs and 46 puppies on 07/02/18 USDA inspection report. In May 2016, reported to have 70 adult dogs and 61 puppies (per USDA inspection)
NOTE: This breeder was previously operating under license #41-A-0436. |
41-A-0021
Cancelled license on 12/14/2022 |
Michelle Sonnenberg / Sonnenberg Farms |
Detroit Lakes / Becker County |
No inspections since 2019.
On 09/10/2019, USDA reported 176 animals (139 dogs and 37 puppies)
189 total dogs/puppies
(152 adult dogs and 37 puppies) reported on 09/10/19 USDA inspection report. 153 adult dogs and 37 puppies on 08/21/18 USDA inspection report. 186 adult dogs and 107 puppies as of Nov 2016 USDA inspection report. |
41-A-0489
License Started:
August 4, 2016 |
Rebecca Stille / Aria's Friends |
Faribault / Rice County |
82 total dogs/puppies (49 adult dogs and 33 puppies) reported on 12/08/21 USDA inspection report.
Per 07-28-20: 104 total dogs/puppies (61 adult dogs and 43 puppies) per USDA inspection reports. 68 adult dogs and 31 puppies reported on 07/16/19 USDA inspection report. 71 adult dogs and 39 puppies on 11/09/18 USDA inspection report. 69 adult dogs and 37 puppies on 06/12/18 USDA inspection report. 65 adult dogs and 36 puppies on 05/15/18 USDA inspection report. 71 adult dogs and 107 puppies as of November 2016 (per USDA inspection). In December 2016, reported to have 76 adult dogs and 32 puppies (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0486
License Started: May 5, 2016 (may have been formerly operated as Windy Acres Kennels by David Yoder) |
Skylineview LLC /
David A. Yoder and Alma A. Yoder |
Utica / Winona County |
USDA inspection on 12/05/2023 reported 153 animals (73 dogs and 80 puppies)
122 total dogs/puppies (80 adult dogs and 42 puppies) per 08/17/21 USDA inspection report. Per 01/24/20: 163 total dogs/puppies (91 adult dogs and 72 puppies) reported USDA inspection report. 99 adult dogs and 89 puppies on 08/01/19 USDA inspection reports. 111 adult dpgs and 89 puppies on 02/08/19 USDA inspection report. In November 2016, reported to have 104 adult dogs and 75 puppies (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0471
License cancelled on 09/09/2022 BUT
new license opened with same name and address:
41-A-0512 |
Henry Yoder |
Utica / Winona County |
USDA inspection on 12/05/2023 reported 75 animals (51 dogs and 24 puppies)
84 total dogs/puppies (50 adult dogs and 34 puppies) per 01-25-21 USDA inspection report. 48 adult dogs and 16 puppies on 09/03/19 USDA inspection report. 49 adult dogs and 38 puppies on 09/03/19 USDA inspection report. 47 adult dogs and 24 puppies as of November 2016 per USDA inspection. |
41-A-0472
NOTE: Multiple violations reported on 2023 inspection report by USDA |
Menno Yoder;
also known as Sunny Acres Kennel |
Utica / Winona County |
USDA inspection on 05/24/2023 reported 86 animals (41 dogs and 45 puppies)
35 adult dogs on 01-28-21 USDA inspection report.
Per 02/24/20: 55 dogs and puppies (30 adult dogs and 25 puppies) on inspection report. Per 12/11/18: 51 dogs and puppies (37 adult dogs and 14 puppies) on USDA inspection reports. 38 adult dogs and 8 puppies as of December 2015 (per USDA inspection) |
| 41-A-0493 license |
Pleasant View Kennel, LLC /
Leroy Yoder and Anna Yoder |
St. Charles / Winona County |
USDA inspection on 01/17/2023 reported 217 animals (80 dogs and 137 puppies)
189 total adult dogs and puppies (73 adult dogs and 116 puppies) per 01-26-21 USDA inspection report.
64 adult dogs and 42 puppies reported on 12/17/19 USDA inspection report. 76 adult dogs and 142 puppies as of February 2019 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0502 license
(cancelled in 2022) New license number is 41-A-0508 |
Heather Briggs, Grandview Kennels
Operating under a new license # and kennel name: Grandview Puppies, LLC |
Porter, MN / Yellow Medicine County |
USDA inspection on 09/09/2022 reported 80 animals (76 dogs and 4 puppies)
86 total dogs/puppies (73 adult dogs and 18 puppies) per 2-16-22 USDA pre-license inspection report.
91 total dogs/puppies (73 adult dogs and 18 puppies) per 12/9/21 USDA inspection report. (Last report under old license number).
53 total dogs/puppies
(45 adult dogs and 3 puppies) per 12-30-20 USDA inspection report.
23 adult dogs and 0 puppies reported on 07/31/19 USDA inspection report.
15 adult dogs and 7 puppies on 03/21/19 USDA pre-license inspection report. |
| 41-A-0495 |
Jim Christian |
Currie, MN / Murray County |
73 total dogs/puppies per 03-23-22 USDA inspection (56 adult dogs and 17 puppies).
99 total dogs/puppies
per 03-24-21 USDA inspection report. 30 adult dogs and 27 puppies on 11/29/18 USDA inspection report. 31 adult dogs and 26 puppies reported on 11/06/19 on USDA inspection report. |
41-A-0506
Cancelled license on 01/03/2024
NOTE: Multiple direct and noncritical violations documented in 2023. |
Ada Yoder
Local permit also lists David J. Yoder on this property.
A David D. Yoder, Jr. had a federal license at this same address; then cancelled. License was 41-A-0488. |
Utica, MN/ Winona County |
USDA inspection on 09/05/2023 reported 110 animals (48 dogs and 62 puppies)
115 total dogs/puppies (44 adult dogs and 73 puppies per 8/24/21 USDA inspeciton report).
81 dogs/puppies: 49 adult dogs and 32 puppies per 09-08-20 USDA inspection report. |
| 41-A-0509 |
Jacob A.L. Shetler / Sunny Lane Kennel |
Utica, MN/ Winona County |
115 dogs and puppies (44 adult dogs and 71 puppies) as of August 24, 2021 |
41-A-0511
Cancelled license on 04/18/2023 |
Matthew Lambright |
Mora |
USDA inspection on 10/18/2022 reported 20 animals (11 adult dogs and 9 puppies) |
| 41-A-0514 |
Lavern and Anna Mast |
Utica, MN / Winona County |
USDA inspection on 07/31/23 reported 58 animals (39 dogs and 19 puppies) |
The above breeders is not the complete list. Most dealers also breed dogs. For list of USDA-licensed Minnesota (Class B) dealers, go to Dealers.
There are also additional Class A breeders licensed by the USDA but they breed other species, such as:
- pot-bellied pigs (Spring Point Project)
- game with bobcat, squirrels, prairie dogs (Mike T Loss)
- game farm with goat, porcupine, wallaby, deer, rabbits (Lonnie and Becky Smith)
- domestic potbelly pigs (Recombinetics)
- red foxes (Weston and Randy Schwecke)
- sugar gliders and hedgehogs (Sarah Worwa)
- hedgehogs (Jenna Savage)
Cancellations and revocations
Over the years, the number of breeders (Class A) and dealers (Class B) licensed by the USDA in Minnesota has dropped (see also Dealer cancellations). As stated above, this decrease was due, in large part, to the Internet. If a breeder sold wholesale (i.e., to pet stores), he/she was required to be licensed under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). "Pet store" was originally defined as a traditional store, not a website. To take advantage of this loophole, many breeders chose to cancel their federal license and instead sell directly to consumers on websites, online portals or directly from the kennel. The definition of "pet store" within the AWA has since been changed to try and address this loophole. (See AWA licensing.) Other cancellations are due to other business issues, i.e., poor health, old age, etc. A few federal licenses have been revoked due to repeated violations.
CANCELLED OR REVOKED CLASS A USDA LICENSEES AS OF 2020
Names below represent a portion of breeders or brokers whose federal license
was cancelled (by their own request) or revoked.
| USDA License # (Class A) |
Name/
Doing Business As |
City/County |
Notes |
41-A-0364
License started: April 5, 2000
CANCELLED LICENSE JAN 27,
2016
|
Gloria Brouwer |
Jasper / Pipestone |
Prior to cancellation:
3 adult dogs and 21 puppies as of October 2016 (per USDA inspection).
NOTE: This breeder had 25 adults and 5 puppies in Feb 2016 and 35 adult dogs and 9 puppies in June 2014 (per USDA inspection). The USDA license was listed as cancelled by the breeder as of Jan 27, 2016; however, she has continued to be inspected in 2016. |
41-A-0426
License cancelled: January 6, 2016
License started:
April 5, 2000 |
Gene Davis |
GLENVILLE / Freeborn |
|
41-A-0407
License cancelled: January 13, 2014
License started: unknown |
James And Shari De Neui /
Countryside Big Dog Kennels |
CLINTON / Big Stone |
|
41-A-0023
License cancelled: June 11, 2013
|
CAROLE and LARRY HARRIES /
Harries K-9 Ranch |
ALPHA / Jackson |
Cancelled USDA license, but applied for and obtained license by the MN Board of Animal Health (BAH). (It appears this breeder's state license has since been removed from the BAH list. BAH data about breeders is not released so information cannot be verified.) |
41-A-0466
License Revoked: March 11, 2015 License started: prior to 2006 |
Ted Johnson |
Windom / Cottonwood |
License was revoked by the USDA |
41-A-4090
License Started:
September 27, 2016 |
Anna Kerner /
Anna's Angels |
Steen / Rock |
Prior to cancellation:
9 adult dogs and 13 puppies as of September 21, 2016 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0435
License cancelled: November 11, 2013
License started: October 24, 2005 |
LORNA KRUGER /
Brewster Boxers |
BREWSTER / Nobles |
|
41-A-0481
License started: June 24, 2015
|
Christian Lambright |
Fertile / Polk |
Prior to cancellation:
17 adult dogs and 6 puppies as of January 2016 (per USDA inspection) |
| |
Daniel and Edna Lambright |
Fertile / Polk |
|
41-A-0027
License Cancelled: February 19, 2016
License started: January 2, 1960 |
Sharon Lanz |
Pine River / Cass |
|
41-A-0456
License Cancelled: April 23, 2014
License started: May 14, 2009 |
Tina Moore /
TS Pups |
Detroit Lakes / Becker |
|
41-A-0016
License Revoked: April 22, 2015
|
Deloris and Dick Richards |
Marshall / Lyon |
License was revoked by the USDA |
41-A-0467
License cancelled: June 3, 2014
License started: unknown |
JANEL SAWYER /
Sawyer’s Furry Friends |
BACKUS / Cass |
|
41-A-0477
License started: October 20, 2014 |
Jennifer Scharmer
This kennel is still operating in Winona, MN. |
Winona / Winona |
Prior to cancellation:
24 adult dogs and 12 puppies as of June 2016 (per USDA inspection |
41-A-0374
License Cancelled: March 16, 2015
License started: March 12, 2001 |
Roseann and Timothy Strand |
|
|
41-A-0449
License cancelled: February 20, 2015
License started: February 12, 2007 |
MELVIN THIESEN /
Danielles Kennel |
BLACKDUCK / Beltrami |
|
41-A-0487
License Started:
July 14, 2016 |
Sandstone Valley, LLC / Dan Yoder |
St Charles / Winona |
Prior to cancellation:
31 adult dogs and 34 puppies as of July 5, 2016 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0468
License started: May 22, 2012
CANCELLED LICENSE MAY 31, 2016 |
David Yoder |
Utica / Winona |
Prior to cancellation:
46 adult dogs and 22 puppies as of January 2016 (per USDA inspection)
NOTE: David D. Yoder, Jr. opened a license at the same address as this licensee, David J. Yoder, on August 2, 2016. New licensee could be his son. |
41-A-0491
License Started: November 9, 2016 |
John Yoder /
Hidden Hollow Kennel |
Fertile / Polk |
Prior to cancellation:
12 adult dogs and 17 puppies as of November 02, 2016 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0443 License started: May 9, 2006
HOWEVER: Now operating under a different license; possibly Pleasant View Kennel. |
Leroy D Yoder |
Utica / Winona |
Prior to cancellation:
94 adult dogs and 104 puppies as of April 2016 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0485 License started: April 20, 2016
Cancelled license |
Menno Bontrager |
St Charles / Winona County |
Prior to cancellation:
23 adult dogs and 43 puppies as of Oct 2016 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0445 License started: September 14, 2006
Cancelled license |
Marlton and Paul R DeNeui / Family Addition Kennel |
Clinton / Big Stone County |
Prior to cancellation:
13 adult dogs and 5 puppies as of April 2018 (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0298
Cancelled license on 5/19/19. |
S Glenice Viken / SG Kennels |
Roseau/ Roseau County |
Prior to cancellation:
19 adult dogs and 0 puppies reported on 11/01/18 USDA inspection report. 19 adult dogs and 4 puppies on 07/12/18 USDA inspection report. 25 adult dogs and 0 puppies on 05/01/18 USDA inspection report. In February 2016, reported to have 55 adult dogs and 15 puppies (per USDA inspection). |
41-A-0475
License started: August 5, 2013
Cancelled license on 08/05/19 |
Carol Theisen and Jill Pilloud / Northern Lights Kennels |
Blackduck / Beltrami County |
Prior to cancellation:
18 adult dogs and 1 puppy as of 08/27/18 USDA inspection report. In September 2016, reported to have 0 adult dogs and 27 puppies (per USDA inspection). In November 2015, this breeder had 32 adult dogs and 11 puppies (per USDA inspection) |
41-A-0488
License Started:
August 2, 2016
Cancelled license on 08/02/21. But another kennel with new license number operates at the same address. |
David D. Yoder, Jr. |
Utica / Winona County |
Prior to cancellation:
69 total dogs/puppies. 37 adult dogs and 32 puppies per 11-26-19 USDA inspection report. 32 adult dogs and 71 puppies reported on 02/19/19 USDA inspection reports. 43 adult dogs and 43 puppies on 04/16/18 USDA inspection report. 99 dogs puppies (42 adult and 57 puppies) per 07-31-17 inspection report. 43 adult dogs and 33 puppies as of Dec 2016 (per USDA inspection).
NOTE: A licensee by the name of David J. Yoder held license #41-A-0468, which used the same address as this licensee, but cancelled on May 31, 2016. David D. Yoder, Jr.could be the son of David J. Yoder. |
41-A-0496
Cancelled 7/08/21 But a dealer license for John Miller was granted at the same address:
41-B-0285 |
John Henry Miller |
Utica/ Winona County |
Prior to cancellation:
75 total dogs/puppies. 53 adult dogs and 22 puppies per 02-01-21 USDA inspection report. 64 adult dogs and 52 puppies reported on 11/24/19 USDA inspection report. 66 adult dogs and 32 puppies on 05/14/19 USDA inspection report. 45 adult dogs and 17 puppies reported on 05/22/18 USDA inspection report. |
41-A-0281
Cancelled federal license on 12/4/2019; however, Paul Haag and Valley View Kennel are still operating and listed on state license list.
Class C federal license for A Maze'N Farmyard is still active. |
Paul and Sheila Haag / Valley View Kennel |
Eden Valley / Meeker County |
Prior to cancellation (state does not provide inventory counts to the public)
1,038 total dogs/puppies. 528 adult dogs and 510 puppies per 10-29-2018 USDA inspection reports, making it one of the largest breeders in Minnesota. This is an increase in number of animals.
In July 2016, counts were over 800 dogs and puppies (489 adult dogs and 396 puppies).
NOTE: Also operates A Maze'n Farmyard, a family amusement center with a petting zoo and pet store, supplied with puppies from their kennel operation. |
41-A-0507
Cancelled federal license; possible cancellation in 2022 |
John P. Yoder |
Mora, MN/ Kanabec County |
Prior to cancellation:
21 total dogs/puppies
(11 adult dogs and 10 puppies) reported on 08/30/21 USDA inspection report. Per 05/12/21: 26 total dogs/puppies. 20 adult dogs and 6 puppies per inspection report. |
| 41-A-0499 |
Kristen Hurst |
Russell / Lyon County |
Prior to cancellation: As of January 2021, no inspections since 2019.
30 total dogs/puppies. 17 adult dogs and 13 puppies reported on 11/06/19 USDA inspection report. 29 adult dogs and 4 puppies on 12/19/18 USDA inspection report. 14 adult dogs and 19 puppies on 07/10/18 pre-license USDA inspection report. |
41-A-0500 license
Was licensed before as 41-A-0248 -
Canceled license in 2018 |
Lyle Renner
Bluewater Creek
Was operating prior as Renner's Kennel; Lyle and John Renner; John is now deceased and kennel name changed. |
Detroit Lakes / Becker County |
Prior to cancellation: As of March 2022, no inspections since 2019.
138 total dogs/puppies (115 adult dogs and 23 puppies) reported on 11/05/19 USDA inspection report. 124 adult dogs and 34 puppies on 09/06/18 USDA pre-license inspection report. |
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Categories: USDA-licensees
There are multiple facilities in Minnesota licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. (See descriptions below.) Not all of these facilities breed dogs and cats.
Below is an abbreviated definition of the following categories. For specific definitions and explanations, see links below (on USDA-APHIS website).
• Breeders
These are breeders of dogs and cats (as well as other certain types of animals) who sell wholesale. The USDA designates this group as ‘Class A’.
• Dealers/Brokers
These are brokers — this category can breed their own dogs/cats and can also buy/broker certain animals from other breeders and then sell wholesale. The USDA designates this group as ‘Class B’.
• Exhibitors
This group shows or uses the animals for entertainment, such as circuses, zoos, etc.. The USDA designates this group as ‘Class C.’
• Carriers
This group transports the animals.
• Research facilities
These are research facilities, such as universities, medical facilities or businesses.
• USDA-APHIS website (general)
• Animal Welfare - Animal Welfare Act
LEGAL UPDATES - DATA:
On February 3, 2017, the USDA removed animal welfare documents from the APHIS website. Animal Folks was a plaintiff in a lawsuit, led by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, against the USDA for this action. For details, see lawsuit: USDA.
On August 18, 2017, the USDA rolled out a "refined" public search tool that provides access to some Animal Welfare Act compliance records. While the USDA stated its purpose was to provide transparency, critical information, such as breeder names, addresses, and license numbers, from the documents was redacted.
UPDATE: In February 2020, inspection reports were re-posted on the USDA website (per order by Congress).
LEGAL UPDATE - RULE CHANGE:
The USDA created a rule change to the Animal Welfare Act that changed the definition of "retail pet store." This change went into effect in November 2013.
Prior to this rule change, only breeders with four or more intact females and who sold wholesale (to brokers/pet stores, not directly to consumers) were required to be licensed by the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This rule change closed the loophole in the Animal Welfare Act — by now requiring that breeders and other businesses that sell certain animals through retail (i.e., the Internet, by phone, by mail — "sight unseen") obtain a USDA license and get inspected.
It appears no additional licensees have been added in Minnesota due to this specific rule change; it begs the question whether or not the USDA has the resources to fully enforce this new rule change. Learn more at: AWA > licensing (pet store rule change)
Further licensing information
For additional information about USDA licensing and a discussion of legislation pertaining to wholesale vs. retail sales, go to: Animal Welfare Act - licensing
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