Monday, December 29, 2008

Minnesota Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act

Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act Begins Taking Form in Minnesota

On Friday, December 20 - just in time for the holiday season, the State of Minnesota began working on gift for thousands of dogs and cats currently trapped in puppy mills in the state: The Puppy/Kitten Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.

Unlike other failed attempts to regulate pet breeding in Minnesota, this bill will work to ensure large-scale breeders are in compliance with the all federal, State and local animal welfare and cruelty laws. Among the interesting provisions in the bill is a statement that will prevent anyone previously convicted of animal cruelty from owning a dog or cat breeding operation.

Mike Fry, Executive Director of Animal Ark, the largest no kill animal welfare organization in Minnesota, says that one of the beauties of this new approach is that it makes effective use of existing animal cruelty laws and law enforcement structures. He believes that if the bill becomes law, this will make it easier to enforce than previous bills.

Additionally, several small breeders have contributed to the development of the Puppy/Kitten Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, helping to ensure there will be no unintended consequences for smaller, responsible breeders.

The first draft of the official bill language is due the first week in December.

For more information, call (651) 772-8983.
Related Links:

Animal Ark's Puppy Mill Resource Center

Ask Your Senator and Representative to Support the Puppy and Kitten Mill Cruelty Prevention Act

Donate to Help

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