With a strong bipartisan vote, the Minnesota Senate recently passed legislation that prohibits the sale of cats and dogs from pet shops. The underlying goal of the bill is to encourage greater responsibility in the handling and adoption of pets, and to discourage the existence of controversial “puppy mills” and “kitten mills.”
 
Though language in this bill would prohibit future pet shops from selling cats and dogs, it does include an exception for currently existing pet shops, allowing them to continue sales if there is proof that the pet is from a certified breeder.

“Despite being loving and loyal additions to any family, animals cannot advocate for themselves, and that’s why this bill is so important,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater). “We’ve all heard the awful stories of puppy mills and the long-term impacts they have on pets – some of the conditions they’ve been subjected to are just horrible and affect their long-term health and lifespan. This is a small, commonsense change we can make to take care of the animals we bring into our homes. When our cats and dogs are happier and healthier, so are we.”

“Puppy mills” or “kitten mills” are typically defined as “any profit-centered breeding facility in which the number of dogs has exceeded the owner's ability and/or willingness to meet the physical and emotional needs of all of the animals to a degree that permits the animals to have a decent quality of life.” According to findings published by Animal Folks MN, puppy mills exist in Minnesota, housing hundreds of adult dogs used for continuous breeding in dangerous conditions.