PLEASE GET INVOLVED
TO STOP THE SUFFERING
HELP STOP INHUMANE DOG AND CAT BREEDING IN MINNESOTA
UPDATE
Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bill
S.F. 462/H.F. 702
Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bills
End of Session Update
Another session ends without the Minnesota Legislature taking action on dog and cat breeder regulation. As with the previous sessions, the Agriculture Committees in both the House and Senate were the problems. This session the Chairs in both bodies held the bills hostage (would not grant the bill a hearing) even though we heard from the majority of legislators we talked to that they finally agree there IS a problem and something should be done.
This session more state Senators and Representatives were educated on the problem, more support was gathered from veterinarians, and more awareness was generated with the public. Thanks to all of you who contacted your legislators and spread the word throughout Minnesota.
We are not going to stop and we are not going away. We will work on this issue until we pass a bill into law regulating commercial dog and cat breeders in MN.
Now with the entire Minnesota Senate and House up for election and with many legislators retiring, this is a great opportunity for all of us to get to know the candidates and find out what their beliefs are. And, this is an opportunity for animal advocates to help work on the campaigns of those we want elected (or re-elected). Talk to the candidates about the problem at inhumane breeding facilities in MN. Educate them now.
Recent Cruelty Case
Many of you may have either read the disturbing stories in the paper or heard on the news that a Northfield dog breeder, Dayna Bell of Bell Kennels, was charged on April 17, 2012, in Dakota County Court with 16 counts of felony animal cruelty. The court documents state that a witness reported that Bell had drowned puppies and other dogs in late September of 2011. The same witness told police she had also observed Bell tie a rope which was attached to a cinderblock around the neck of a small dog and throw the dog and block into a pool. This witness also reported observing Bell take a small dog which had bit her on the arm outside and return claiming that she had broken the dog’s neck. Another witness told police that Bell had put a puppy in a bucket of water and then placed another bucket on top of that to hold the puppy down. This is another example of why MN needs to pass a law to regulate and inspect commercial dog and cat breeders.
Local Events
Another way to get the word out is by attending local county events
and handing out literature about the dog and cat breeding industry. Click
on this link to find out where the county fairs and events are in your
area this coming summer; just enter the location, date, etc. in the search
box.
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/events/index.aspx
Attached is a flyer you can print and hand out. As you will notice, no Senate or House bill numbers are mentioned. That is because when the legislative session begins in 2013 the bills will be assigned new numbers when introduced.
Below are talking points you can use to educate others.
The Problem
There is no State oversight and there are no State laws, inspections or regulations covering dog and cat breeding facilities in Minnesota. The problem is inhumane breeding practices. Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies in the United States with some of the largest breeding kennels in the nation - housing 300, 600 or over 1,000 dogs and puppies. Kittens are also mass-produced in Minnesota. Many dogs and cats live out their lives in small, overcrowded wire cages and are bred repeatedly. Their 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. And, they are rarely, if at all, provided human socialization.
While many breeders in Minnesota act responsibly, there are increasing reports of those who keep dogs and cats in deplorable conditions and who are willing to make a profit at the expense of the animals’ health and wellbeing. The puppies and kittens are sold to the public and many are sick, diseased, and have genetic problems.
USDA Licensed and Unlicensed - USDA licensed - Only breeders who breed and deal puppies and kittens wholesale (e.g., pet shops, etc.) are licensed and inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA inspection reports show multiple ongoing violations and enforcement is lacking.
Unlicensed - All breeders (including USDA licensed) can sell directly to the public, such as through websites, parking lots, and newspaper ads - none of these activities are regulated.
Current "System" is Not Working - The current "system" in Minnesota to address animal neglect and cruelty is complaint-based. Animal anti-cruelty laws kick in after the cruelty occurs - if someone files a complaint and if action is taken. Regulation is preventative - allowing authorities to legally enter the property and inspect breeding facilities so conditions can be assessed and cruelty can be prevented before it occurs. Relying solely on reporting, cruelty investigations and prosecution are time-consuming and costly for local law enforcement, animal control, nonprofit animal shelters and rescue organizations, and the courts. Regulation is a more efficient use of resources.
Sales Tax - Many breeders (74% reviewed) are not paying the required State sales tax on the puppies and kittens sold, resulting in millions of dollars of lost revenue to the State.
The Solution
Legislation to address the problem (inhumane breeding conditions and practices) by giving the State of Minnesota the authority to regulate dog and cat breeders.
- License - Require commercial dog and cat breeders in Minnesota to be licensed;
- Inspect and Enforce - Give legal authority to the Board of Animal Health to inspect commercial dog and cat breeding facilities and enforce existing State laws to ensure animal care standards are met; and
- Penalties - Impose civil, administrative and criminal penalties for those who violate the law.
Legislation is needed to address the core problem and must work hand-in-hand with existing Minnesota anti-cruelty laws. There has been strong support by a large coalition of humane societies, rescue groups, animal control, humane agents, veterinarians, and individuals from across the State. This issue is about human responsibility - requiring breeders to act responsibly and humanely.
Did you know that:
- over 40 Minnesota shelters and rescues, Minnesota Animal Control Association, and the Animal Law Section of the MN State Bar Association supported the 2011-2012 bills (S.F. 462/ H.F. 702)
- over 220 Minnesota veterinarians and vet techs signed letters supporting S.F. 462/H.F. 702 with more signing on regularly
- over 18,000 petitions signed by Minnesotans were delivered to State legislators in support of the dog and cat breeder regulation bills
Coalition
A Coalition has been working to pass a regulation bill for several years. Opposition is strong from agri-business and their associations, some sportsmen/women groups, the National Rifle Association, breeder registries, and some breeders. (Reputable breeders already comply with existing Minnesota anti-cruelty laws and understand the need for regulation; they expect that of all breeders.)
(Coalition members include A Rotta Love Plus, Animal Folks MN, Animal Humane Society, Minnesota Animal Control Association, Minnesota Humane Society, Minnesota Voters for Animal Protection, Minnkota Persian Rescue, Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota, Retrieve A Golden of Minnesota, Second Chance Animal Rescue, and Tri-County Humane Society — plus numerous other supporters, including humane societies, rescue groups, animal control, veterinarians, law enforcement, students, legislators, businesses and community members representing the interests of Minnesota.)
To learn more about dog and cat breeding in Minnesota, sign a petition and more, please visit www.animalfolksmn.org
SPEAK UP - Get Others Involved:
Please ask your family and friends to join this effort by emailing us and requesting to be added to the database – stopthesuffering@yahoo.com
We will email you again when new bills are introduced in 2013, and we will prepare a new flyer for you to distribute once bill numbers are assigned. For now, please use the attached flyer to continue educating people.
Thank you for caring and getting involved. Your voice can make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats in Minnesota. The goal is healthy and safe dogs and cats.