Commercial dog and cat breeding is a business. Dogs and cats are products to be mass produced and sold for profit. To generate higher profit margins, many commercial breeders cut corners in their operations (e.g., less food, staff, veterinarian care), resulting in physical and psychological harm to animals.

NOTE: For additional information, see issue and resources.

The situation

The dog and cat breeding industry is not regulated by the State of Minnesota so the State does not measure dog and cat ‘production,’ transactions and sales, or hold breeders and veterinarians accountable.

Local municipalities and cities can choose to create their own laws to restrict commercial breeding and further protect dogs and cats from inhumane practices. Some communities are starting to become aware of the problem; others are reluctant to change.

Citizens can choose to report acts of cruelty or suffering — but this is after the cruelty has occurred. Citizens can also pursue civil complaints (under consumer protection laws) for animals purchased that are unhealthy; this, too, is after the fact — after an animal becomes sick due to unhealthy conditions or practices. 

• The profit motive
Unlike hobby breeding, commercial dog and cat breeding is in the business to make money.

• Non-licensed and USDA-licensed commercial breeders
There is no State law that licenses dog and cat breeders in Minnesota. There is no record of how many total breeders operate in our State.

• Inspections
USDA-licensed facilities are inspected by the USDA. No inspections are required for non-licensed breeders.

• Auctions
Dog and cat breeding is an industry. A major player in that industry are dog auctions.

• Brokers/Carriers
Brokers are the ‘middlemen,’ buying and re-selling animals to pet stores. Carriers handle the transport.

• Distribution Channels
Pet stores (who sell dogs and cats), the Internet and newspapers make it easy for consumers to buy.