Minnesota Governor Passes Humane Dog Breeder Bill

Minnesota is making progress in the fight against the puppy and kitten mills that are endemic in the Midwest state. Recently, Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill that will force all commercial cat and dog breeders to obtain a state license, which will require holders to be subjected to yearly inspections by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. The law, which will go into effect on July 1 of this year, will also also prohibit people who have been convicted of animal cruelty from getting a license. Minnesota was featured in the Humane Society of the United States’ 2014 “101 Puppy Mills Report,” in which numerous incidents of animal neglect by breeders were cited. These incidents ranged from dogs being subjected to extreme weather, living in unsanitary conditions, and being deprived of proper veterinary care.