legislation

nonprofit and private animal organizations

Humane societies in Minnesota are incorporated as nonprofits. Most of these nonprofits receive no or limited financing from state and local governments to protect and care for unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals — unless they serve as the animal pound for the city or county and provide contractual services. Though some share the name of "humane society," local humane societies operate independently and are not affiliated with national organizations.

• Animal Humane Society

The Animal Humane Society (AHS, headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota) operates multiple animal shelters, receiving over 40,000 animals a year. This humane society also operates a Humane Investigations division and employs humane officers who work with local law enforcement in Minnesota on animal cruelty issues. Authority to investigate and assist with animal cruelty cases is granted through Minn. Stat. Chapter 343.

• Minnesota Federated Humane Societies

The Minnesota Federated Humane Society (MFHS) is a private, nonprofit organization and, per MN Chapter 343, is granted authority to have state humane agents for the purpose of investigating reports of cruelty to animals throughout Minnesota. The MFHS humane agents are volunteers and work with law enforcement.

Animal Care and Control Agencies

Minn. Stat. Chapter 343 also grants authority to animal control officers to assist with reports of known or suspected animal cruelty case, including seizure of animals.

Animal care and control agencies vary by community and vary based on skills and services. Some agencies are fully trained in animal cruelty investigations and have the necessary resources to assist criminal efforts; others are limited in skills and services. Some agencies are an arm of local government; some agencies are privately owned and operated but still report to local government under contract for services.