Puppy and Kitten Mill Act

1. Puppy and Kitten Mill Act By: Alyssa Taylor

2. What is the problem? • There are approximately 7,360 puppy mills in the U.S. -Source: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) • Approximately 3 million dogs are sold every year come from puppy mills-Source: MSNBC; The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) • Approximately 4-8 million unwanted animals euthanized in shelters every year - Source: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) • According to Prisoners of Greed, the states that are notorious for being puppy mill states: Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania • Minnesota is one of the top produces of puppy mills in the United States. • Minnesota has no state laws on breeding dogs and cats. • Shelters are running out of room for incoming animals. • The majority of animals in shelters, pet stores, internet and newspaper ads are from a puppy mill. • Animals that come from puppy mills have a wide range of health problems that cost owners more money that should be spent

3. What is a puppy/kitten mill? • According to the ASPCA, a puppy/kitten mill is defined as a large scale breeding program. • Puppy/kitten mills are responsible for overbreeding, inbreeding, providing minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals. • The commercial breeder is breeding solely for profit and is not concerned about the quality and health of the animal.

4. What is a commercial breeder? • Commercial breeder is a person, other than a hobby breeder, who possesses or has an ownership interest in animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for sale or for exchange in return for consideration, and who possesses 20 or more adult intact animals and who produces five or more total litters of puppies or kittens per year. (definition by the Minnesota House of Representatives).

5. What is my solution? • The State of Minnesota needs to regulate commercial breeding of animals to ensure health and safety of the animals. • Benefits: • Lowering the level of unwanted animals • Increase the health of future pets • A better temperamental animal • Decrease the number of euthanized animals • Provide a tax deduction for people who purchase animals at animal shelters.

6. Action by the Minnesota Legislature… • Minnesota Representative Al Juhnke has already proposed a bill. He is the Chief Author of bill HF0573. The bill was introduced on February 5th, 2009 to the House of Representatives. It was passed by one committee but, failed in the Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs policy committee. • Minnesota Representative Tom Tillberry has proposed the bill HF0253. Which is still being passed by the House of Representatives.

7. Action by me… • Joined the “The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Stop Puppy Mills Campaign” • Volunteering weekly at the Humane Society of Barron County in Wisconsin. • E-mailed Senator Sandy Rumnel about the issue • E-mailed Representative Paul Gardner about the issue • E-mailed Representative Al Juhnke (the author of bill HF0573) • Informed people about this issue that needs to be taken care of. • Attended Greater Twin Cities Golden Retrieved Club meeting and discussed proposed legislation; had members sign a petition for legislators. • E-mailed a solution to help end puppy mills for Minnesota to Representative Al Juhnke.

8. The current status of the problem • Bill HF0253 is currently working towards the bill to become a law. Bill HF253 is currently “laid on the table” which means it is dead for this year, but can still be voted on next year and does not have to start all over again. It’s not dead. • A similar bill in Washington was signed into law by the governor on May 6, 2009 (SB 5651. SB 5651 is a Puppy Mill Bill which is now a law.)

9. Future actions?? • The more people learn about puppy/kitten mills, the greater the chance is that change can be made. I believe that a lot more states will start looking at this issue more closely as people start to get involved with this issue. • More and more people today are pushing for Puppy Mill Bills to pass in their states. With the help of more people in the future, this issue can be overcome.

10. My role… • I think my actions made a difference. I educated breeder s and members of the GTCGRC and rallied their support. They are contacting their legislators in support of the bill. • My actions told Minnesota Legislators that I was interested in this project and I wanted their support. • Because I love animals and am concerned for their health and safety this was an easy issue to become involved with. I would definitely get involved in this issue in the future. The best way for people to participate, it to volunteer at their local shelter, inform their friends about this issue, contact their legislators, and buy animals from shelters instead of pet stores and newspaper ads.

14. Ten Ways You Can Help Fight Puppy Mills (from the ASPCA) • Do Not Buy Your Puppy From a Pet StoreThat puppy who charmed you through the pet shop window has most likely come from a large-scale, substandard commercial breeding facility, commonly known as a puppy mill. In these facilities, parent dogs are caged and bred as often as possible, and give birth to puppies who could have costly medical problems you might not become aware of until after you bring your new pet home. • Make Adoption Your First OptionIf you’re looking to make a puppy part of your family, check your local shelters first. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money is not going to support a puppy mill. There are many dogs waiting for homes in shelters all across the country—and an estimated one in four is a purebred! Your second option is breed rescue. If your heart is set on a specific breed you haven’t been able to find in a shelter, you can do an Internet search for a breed-specific rescue organization. • Know How to Recognize a Responsible BreederIf you’ve exhausted your options for adopting and are choosing to buy from a breeder, remember that responsible breeders have their dogs’ interests in mind. They are not simply interested in making a sale, but in placing their pups in good homes. A responsible breeder should screen you as thoroughly as you screen them! • See Where Your Puppy Was Born and BredOne sign that you are speaking to an unscrupulous breeder is that they will not let you see the facility in which your puppy was born. Always ask to see the breeding premises and to meet both parents (or at least the mother) of the puppy you want to take home. You should also ask for an adoption contract that explains—in terms you understand—the breeder’s responsibilities, health guarantee and return policy. • Internet Buyers, Beware!Buying a puppy from the Internet is as risky as buying from a pet store. If you buy a puppy based on a picture and a phone call, you have no way of seeing the puppy’s breeding premises or meeting his parents. And those who sell animals on the Internet are not held to the Animal Welfare Act regulations, and so are not inspected by the USDA. • Share Your Puppy Mill Story with the ASPCA • Speak Out!Inform your state and federal legislators that you are disturbed by the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills, and would like to see legislation passed that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. • Tell Your FriendsIf someone you know is planning on buying a puppy, let them know that there are perfectly healthy dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted. • Think Globally • Act Locally!When people are looking to buy or adopt a pet, they will often ask the advice of their veterinarian, groomer or pet supply store.