This is grassroots. Your help is needed. It requires deliberate action to change how people think about and treat animals. Minnesotans have the opportunity to set an example.

What you can do

1. Learn more.

Explore this website. View the videos. Know the issue and understand the legislation. Send this website to others.

2. Take a stand.

Sign the online petition and join "include me."

3. Get to know your legislators.

Call or email your State legislators and educate them about inhumane dog and cat breeding. Start building a relationship with your legislators so they will understand the need for regulating the dog and cat breeding industry in Minnesota.

4. Adopt, don't shop.

Teach people why it's best to adopt from their local shelter or rescue group (reduces euthanasia). Educate others to: 1) Never buy a puppy or kitten from a pet store — unless it’s ‘adoption days’ through a humane society or rescue group. 2) Never buy a puppy or kitten directly from a website, through a classified ad or at a parking lot — insist on seeing the animal’s parents and living conditions first.

5. Do a petition drive.

Get at least 10 friends, work colleagues or family members to become aware of this issue and sign the petition. Legislators must hear from constituents. We need a strong voice.

Want to do even more?

6. Donate.

Please help support our efforts. We need to raise money to help pay for materials (leaflets, mini-posters, postcards, videos, presentations, web, emails, small ads, etc.) to generate more awareness before the 2010 legislative session. Learn more at donate.

7. Distribute information.

If you can, please attend an event within your community and inform people about this issue and the legislation. Or drop off literature at your local veterinarian's office. Or walk your neighborhood. Various materials can be found on Downloads, which can be printed and distributed. 

8. Tell your story.

If you have purchased or rescued a dog or cat from a Minnesota breeder and this animal was unhealthy (physically or psychologically), please send us your story. These stories give proof that inhumane breeding is a problem that impacts animals and consumers.

9. File a complaint.

If you see animal neglect or abuse from a breeder, report it immediately. Go to Report it.

10. Communicate through local newspapers.

• Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper about puppy mills and the need for regulation of the dog and cat breeding industry.
• Run a classified ad in your local newspaper in the “pet” section warning people not to buy unless they first meet the breeder and see the mother and breeding conditions. Many inhumane dog and cat breeders sell through newspapers.

11. Volunteer.

Your local humane society or rescue group needs help. Volunteer to foster a dog or cat, help at fund-raising events or care for animals within a shelter.

12. Get involved with your local government.

Pay close attention to what’s happening within your city and county governments. Many commercial (large) breeders are required to apply for Conditional Use Permits through the county. Attend hearings and voice your opinion.

13. Get involved at the federal level.

Contact your federal legislators and ask what they will do to improve the Animal Welfare Act in regards to commercial breeding facilities and to encourage the USDA-APHIS to provide stronger enforcement of USDA standards. To contact your Congressman or Congresswoman, call 1-202-224-3121. This is the Congressional switchboard in Washington D.C.; they will connect you with your U.S. Respresentative or U.S. Senator. (This is federal, not state.)