HF 3369 Makes a False Assumption, with No Verified Or Corroborating Data, That Professionally-Bred Dogs Sold by Retail Pet Shops Are Raised Poor Conditions

TALKING POINTS TO USE WHEN CONTACTING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE IN OPPOSITION TO HF 3369:

• HF 3369 makes a false assumption, with no verified or corroborating data, that professionally-bred dogs sold by retail pet shops are raised poor conditions. In doing so, it undermines Minnesota’s consumer protection laws (Minn. Stat. § 325F.79, et seq.) and commercial breeder laws (Minn. Stat. § 347.57, et seq.) that work to protect consumers and advance responsible breeding practices. • By pushing pet sellers to showcase pets that come from unregulated and random sources, HF 3369 would not only remove the most regulated and vetted source of pets from the market; it would actually exacerbate problems by creating a perverse demand for dogs that are not subject to, and do not benefit from, animal welfare regulations or the health tests associated with consumer protection laws. • According to the American Pet Product Association (2016), approximately 44% of Americans obtained their pet from a retail rescue, traditional breed rescue, shelter, or similar source. The U.S. currently has a large market for “rescue pets”, and with it, significant economic incentive for individuals or organizations who can avoid regulatory oversight by irresponsibly breeding or flipping pets directly to meet this demand. By comparison, only 4% of Americans obtained a pet from a traditional retail pet store. • In 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that approximately one million dogs are imported into the United States on an annual basis. The vast majority of these dogs come with little valid health information, receive little regulatory or welfare oversight, and are likely destined for the large unregulated U.S. retail rescue market. • HF 3369 will do little to get at any actual issues of cruelty or negligence. Additionally, it is likely to cause harm to responsible residents in Minnesota who seek a quality purpose-bred pet and may not have access to a local breeder, do not want to be put on a long waiting list, etc. Instead, they may wish to purchase a dog from a regulated, licensed pet store where they can still get the consumer protections the health history, and ongoing professional relationships they desire. This bill would limit these consumers’ freedom of choice and the ability of residents to select pets in a responsible manner, based on the breed, health and temperament traits that they seek and make a good match for their lifestyle. • When people cannot obtain a pet that is the right fit for their lifestyle, that pet is more likely to end up in a shelter. Pet stores can be a humane, viable option for many families, as reputable stores will carefully source their animals and are themselves subject to state and federal regulations. • A better approach is to keep pets out of shelters in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is by educating prospective dog owners and enabling them to obtain a pet that is the right fit for their lifestyle. Great pets come from a variety of sources, including breeders, responsible rescues, and regulated pet shops and shelters. But in every case, freedom of choice to select the right pet is the crucial first step to success. This is why instead of limiting consumer choice and consumer protections, the American Kennel Club recommends expanding the state’s consumer protection laws. • AKC is the largest purebred rescue network in the United States. AKC-affiliated national breed clubs take great care of the animals that come into their rescues. However, there are rescues and transports that unfortunately do not take such diligent care of their animals. Lack of oversight of imported animals can impact both the public health and the health of animals. We believe a better solution is strong enforcement of current Minnesota laws and regulations for breeders and pet dealers, and regulating shelters, rescues, and transports to ensure those dogs receive the same level of humane care and oversight.

Minnesota House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division Contact Information:

Rep. John Lesch, Chair Phone: 651-296-4224 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Kelly Moller, Vice Chair Phone: 651-296-0141 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Peggy Scott, Republican Lead Phone: 651-296-4231 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Tony Albright Phone: 651-296-5185 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Cal Bahr Phone: 651-296-2439 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Hunter Cantrell Phone: 651-296-4212 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Andrew Carlson Phone: 651-296-4218 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Jack Considine, Jr. Phone: 651-296-3248 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Hodan Hassan Phone: 651-296-0294 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Kaohly Her Phone: 651-296-8799 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Brian Johnson Phone: 651-296-4346 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Tina Liebling Phone: 651-296-0573 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Eric Lucero Phone: 651-296-1534 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Carlos Mariani Phone: 651-296-9714 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Mohamud Noor Phone: 651-296-4257 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Marion O'Neill Phone: 651-296-5063 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Kristin Robbins Phone: 651-296-7806 Email: [email protected]

Rep. Jay Xiong Phone: 651-296-4201 Email: [email protected]