Inhumane dog and cat breeding exists in Minnesota due, in large part, to lack of State laws and regulations. There is no State licensing, inspections, standards, enforcement or penalties for the dog and cat breeding industry in Minnesota.

Without State laws which set humane breeding standards and enforce compliance, Minnesota has allowed many businesses within the dog and cat breeding industry to create harm and suffering to dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in the pursuit of profit.         

KEY MESSAGE: This issue is about human behavior and commerce. Do Minnesotans believe that businesses have the right to exploit animals in the pursuit of profit? If not, should the State of Minnesota be given the authority to regulate the dog and cat breeding industry, as it does with other industries that produce inanimate objects?

• YouTube: A Tribute to parents of pet store puppies
• HSUS: Multiple videos of breeder investigations

The impact to Minnesota people and animals

Below are key messages, showing how inhumane dog and cat breeding not only harms companion animals but also impacts the lives of Minnesotans in various ways.

• Animal Suffering
Veterinarians have documented that animals do feel pain and can suffer; inhumane dog and cat breeding creates animal pain and suffering, both physically and psychologically.

• Consumer Fraud
Unhealthy dogs and cats are deliberately sold to consumers, who may face thousands of dollars in veterinarian bills to treat their new pet once at home.

• Public Health
Due to unsanitary conditions, inhumane breeding contributes to the spread of zoonotic diseases, a threat to both animals and people.

• Taxpayer Cost
Citizens pay the cost for over-breeding and pet overpopulation through under-budgeted animal control departments, law enforcement and prosecutorial actions.

• Animal Overpopulation
There are not enough Minnesota families to foster or adopt all the unwanted animals needing care; euthanasia is a result. The State provides no financial assistance for animal nonprofits.