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Pet breeder bill tabled

Published (4/3/2009)
By Lee Ann Schutz
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A controversial proposal for stricter regulations of commercial dog and cat breeders met stiff opposition from the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee March 27, and was tabled by an 8-0 roll call vote.

HF253, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tillberry (DFL-Fridley), made its way through two committees before opponents were successful in derailing its progress because of several concerns; among them that it would violate the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution regarding search and seizure.

The bill would provide state licensing and inspection procedures, additional standards of care, and administrative and criminal penalties for dog and cat breeders.

Keith Streff, director of humane investigations with the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, said current federal regulations are inadequate, and there are no state laws for dog and cat breeding.

But Frank Lanasa, president of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trail Clubs Inc., said the proposed regulations are unnecessary and the marketing of the bill has “trashed the character” of a whole industry of retail breeders.

The companion, SF7, sponsored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), was tabled by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Committee.

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