ST. Paul, Minnesota — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for stronger protections for you and your pets.
They say make sure you know everything there is to know before buying from a breeder.
The bill's authors say this is to ensure people have access to important information about breeders before paying for a potentially expensive new puppy or kitten. Says.
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Under current law, all breeder information related to inspections, violations, and licensing issues is kept private.
But the bill would make that information public, as would data about shelters.
Supporters say it's a double standard that breeders don't have to follow the same rules.
The proposal would require the Animal Health Commission to post breeders' names online so Minnesotans can request inspection reports and the number of animals sold in the previous year.
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“This is an opportunity to help consumers make informed decisions about the pets they bring into their homes,” said Sen. Bonnie Westlin, DFL Plymouth. “And we know that bringing a pet into the home is a huge emotional and financial investment for families.”
In a letter, the Minnesota Pet Breeders Association said, “Inviting individuals and organizations opposed to pet breeding to interfere with professional and hobby breeders who are raising happy, healthy puppies does a tremendous amount of harm to the public. “It's a disadvantage,” he said, opposing the bill.
