Have you seen a breeding facility that you suspect is a puppy mill or backyard breeder? Does something “feel wrong” in how the animals look or are being treated? Have you witnessed animal neglect or cruelty? Report your concerns. File a complaint.

This is a legal matter. No action can be taken by authorities until a complaint is filed. Please follow the law; never enter any breeding facility or home without permission from the owner. Call the numbers below.

Emergency
There are two forms of animal cruelty. ‘Passive’ cruelty (neglect) is caused by lack of action, such as inadequate shelter, starvation, dehydration, and failure to seek needed veterinary care. ‘Active’ cruelty (abuse) is an intentional act to harm an animal. (Reprinted from the Minnesota Humane Society.)

If an animal’s life is in immediate danger, call 911.

Contact
To report inhumane breeding behavior and conditions, local law enforcement is the key contact, supported by the investigators at the Animal Humane Society. There are different organizations to call for different reasons.

• Call your local humane society
• Call your local police or sheriff’s department
• Call the USDA-APHIS regional office
• Call your local Animal Care and Control department
• Call the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine
• Call the Minnesota State Veterinarian
• Call the Minnesota Attorney General

There is no State agency designated to receive calls for animal neglect or cruelty or to coordinate statewide efforts. With no licensing fees or penalties, there is no State fund for training and hiring of inspectors who would conduct inspections, enforce standards, train local police and coordinate efforts, and work with local or State prosecutors.

Currently, in Minnesota, the training and staffing of humane agents is conducted through volunteer efforts or nonprofit animal organizations who receive no government financing.

Prior to making a call, gather information

Police and humane agents need you to be specific. Due to limited staffing and resources, humane agents must prioritize each call. Like all criminal cases, humane agents must have the proper evidence to successfully build a case for seizure and/or prosecution.

Remember, however, there is no State law, funding or involvement to investigate complaints and protect animals throughout Minnesota, so resources are limited.

To help, please be prepared with the following:

1. Name of breeder or facility (if pet owner cruelty, name of pet owner)
2. Location (address, city)
3. Date complaint occurred/witnessed
4. A brief and specific account of the facts and circumstances involved, including animals present, description of conditions, advertisements
5. Your name and a daytime phone number, in case investigator needs to follow-up for additional information. All information is kept confidential.

You don’t need to give your name, but it helps. Identifying yourself allows the law enforcement official or humane agent to follow-up if he or she has questions.

TIP: Be sure to follow up 2-3 days after the initial call to check status of the complaint.