MN Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill S.F. 7/H.F. 253
The intent of the Minnesota Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill is to protect dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from inhumane breeding practices and conditions by giving the state of Minnesota the authority to license and regulate the dog and cat breeding industry in Minnesota.
Senate File 7 and House File 253 are companion bills. These bills were introduced with the same language; however, language for each can (and did) change based on amendments offered by House or Senate committees.
REGULATION OF DOG AND CAT BREEDERS
S.F. 7/H.F. 253 was introduced in 2009 and will be heard again in 2010 if both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees vote to "take it off the table" for discussion and a vote. The 2010 session begins in early February.
This bill would regulate certain dog and cat breeders in Minnesota and protect animals and consumers. It covers the essential areas for animal protection: Licensing, Inspections, Enforcement, Standards, Funding and Penalties.
Bills Objectives
1. Would close the AWA loophole. It will allow for additional inspectors and inspections of all USDA-licensed and non-USDA-licensed breeders (except "hobby breeders") by the State of Minnesota.
2. Would close the enforcement gaps.
• Upon receiving a complaint, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, a local animal control authority, peace officer or humane agent are given the authority to investigate the complaint. Correction orders can be issued, requiring a breeder to correct a violation of federal and state statutes, rules and regulations governing breeding facilities. An order may also be issued to cease a practice if its continuation would result in an immediate risk to animal welfare or public health. The State would have the authority to refuse to re-issue a license, suspend or revoke a license if the breeder fails to act on certain orders (i.e. doesn’t comply, doesn’t pay, commits felony cruelty), as defined in the law.
3. Would provide a revenue source for operation of the regulatory program.
Bills Highlights
• Licensing
Requires dog and cat breeders in Minnesota to be licensed (not small or hobby breeders).
• Inspections
Gives the State of Minnesota the authority to conduct annual inspections of dog and cat breeding facilities, including USDA-licensed facilities and totally unregulated facilities.
• Standards
Requires breeders to comply with existing laws and regulations, and puts in place additional standards that are lacking in existing law.
• Enforcement
Gives oversight to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
• Funding
Provides funding to the Board of Animal Health through licensing and registration fees. Imposes civil, administrative and criminal penalties for breaking the law.
• Minnesota Statutory Liability
Owners or keepers of dogs who kill, wound, or worry any domestic animal or animals are jointly and severally liable for all damages done by such dogs.
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