New bill at state capitol would create board to protect pets, regulate breeders

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Democrats and Republicans are coming together on a bill to regulate commercial cat and dog breeders.

Called the Companion Animal Board, it would create the first state agency of its kind, made up of pet experts in the veterinary profession and animal nonprofit organizations.

The board would regulate breeders and kennels and oversee the management of feral cat colonies. They would also offer resources to pet owners in need.

"We see how this bill will improve the life of pets and the people who love them," said Janelle Dixon, the President & CEO of Animal Humane Society of Minnesota.

It's the third time the bill has circulated through the session. But this year, there's renewed hope that it gets through, especially because more Minnesotans than ever before are becoming pet owners.

"We know from the pandemic experience that lots and lots of folks adopted dogs and cats and other kinds of pets," said Senator Scott Dibble, (D) Minneapolis.

There is already a Board of Animal Health, but lawmakers feel they oversee too much.

"The existing board that we have has all it can do to deal with: chronic wasting disease, avian flu and all the issues that are present in agricultural animals and husbandry," said Sen. Dibble.

There were a few adoptable puppies at the press conference Thursday morning. They'll become available through the Animal Humane Society in the coming days.