Inhumane dog and cat breeding exists in Minnesota due, in large part, to lack of State oversight. There is no State licensing, inspections or regulation of the dog and cat breeding industry in Minnesota.

This lack of oversight allows certain breeders to create harm and suffering to dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in the pursuit of profit. These unhealthy animals are then sold to unsuspecting consumers.       

KEY MESSAGE: This issue is not just about animal protection and consumer protection. It's about human responsibility and moral decency.

• Do you believe it's acceptable for individuals or businesses to treat animals inhumanely and profit from it?
• Do you believe, as with other industries, that the dog and cat breeding industry should be required to act responsibly in the production of their "product"?
• Do you believe it is fair for consumers, when purchasing a dog or cat, to expect a healthy animal?

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.

• 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
Over-breeding by commercial dog and cat breeders and lack of spay-neuter by pet owners contribute to animal overpopulation, resulting in euthanasia at animal shelters and animal control facilities.