legislation > talking points

The following copy lists key points about inhumane dog and cat breeding and the current situation (problem) in Minnesota.

Feel free to use these points when talking with your legislators or others. Please, continue to educate others about the problem and why regulation is needed.

THE SITUATION

The problem is inhumane dog and cat breeding practices in Minnesota by unscrupulous or negligent breeders, and a lack of State oversight of this industry.

• Top producers

Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies in the United States, with some of the largest kennels in the nation — housing over 1,000 dogs and puppies. Minnesota is also known for mass-producing kittens. Dog and cat breeders, large and small, are located in all areas of the State.

• Substandard or deplorable conditions

While many breeders in Minnesota act responsibly, there are unscrupulous or negligent breeders who have created deplorable breeding conditions. Adult dogs and cats live their lives in small, overcrowded, wire cages and are bred repeatedly. Cages are often stacked, allowing feces and urine to fall onto the animals below. Animals may be malnourished from inadequate food and water, receive little or no veterinary care, are stressed from constant confinement and neglect, have fleas, worms, etc. Many have deformed paws, are severely matted, or are burned from sitting and standing in urine and feces. With many of these type of breeders, especially the "mass-production" facilities (i.e. with 100+, 400+ or 750+ adult breeding dogs and cats), the animals are rarely, if at all, provided human socialization, resulting in psychological problems.

• No state laws

Minnesota has no state laws to license, inspect or regulate dog and cat breeding facilities in Minnesota. Due to no State regulation, this industry has not been held accountable. Nonprofit animal organizations, such as local animal shelters and humane societies, are left to rescue, treat and care for unwanted or sick animals and "clean up" the mess created by certain breeders.

ALSO:

• Potential to get worse

Many states have passed breeder laws; however, it's been proven that some breeders then move to unregulated states. In 2009, Wisconsin passed the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill; Minnesota remains unregulated.

• In-state and out-of-state consumers misled

With increased use of the Internet, selling has become easier. Poor breeding conditions are kept hidden and unhealthy animals may be sold and shipped to unsuspecting consumers, who end up paying high veterinarian costs.

• Uncollected tax revenues

In Minnesota, the sales and purchases of pets are taxable. A recent study by Animal Folks MN has shown that 74% of sampled dog and cat breeders in Minnesota do not have an active sales tax permit. This represents millions of dollars in lost revenues for the State.

• Reputable breeders at disadvantage

Commercial dog and cat breeding is a business. Without regulation, reputable breeders struggle to compete with breeders who exploit animals for money, and produce puppies or kittens that are sick, diseased, or have genetic problems.

 

THE LEGISLATION

Senate File 7 / House File 253 would give the State of Minnesota the authority to regulate certain dog and cat breeders. (S.F. 7 did not pass in the Senate Agriculture Committee; therefore, committee deadlines cannot be met.) The bill addresses:

• Licensing

Requires large ("commercial") dog and cat breeders in Minnesota to be licensed. Smaller, hobby breeders are not covered under this bill.

• Inspections and Enforcement

Gives the Minnesota Board of Animal Health the authority to inspect commercial dog and cat breeding facilities and enforce existing State laws.

• Penalties

Imposes civil, administrative and criminal penalties for breaking the law.

Regulation of this industry will have the added benefit of helping to enforce existing laws, such as:

• Animal anti-cruelty

Currently, Minnesota animal anti-cruelty statutes kick in after the cruelty occurs, and only if a person stumbles upon the inhumane conditions, reports the cruelty and the sheriff investigates. Regulation is preventative — allowing for inspections so cruelty can be prevented before it occurs.

• Consumer protection

Inspections and enforcement of laws will create a "stamp of approval" by the State, alowing consumers to differentiate between good and bad breeders.

• Sales tax

A licensing requirement will make it easier for the State to collect sales and income tax from breeders, contributing revenues to Minnesota.

To read the bills (Senate File 7 and House File 253) in their entirety, go to: Legislation

QUESTIONS AND LINKS

• Want an example of how the current "system" is broken? Go to: Bauck

• Want to have a better understanding of inhumane breeding? Issue

• Want to view videos of various breeding facilities? Videos