During a workshop session on October 4, 2021, the Blaine city council held a discussion to determine how to move forward in addressing residents’ concerns about the sale of animals that come from puppy or kitten mills in one of Blaine's six pet stores.
The council considered several options, including passing an ordinance prohibiting the retail sale of commercially-bred dogs and cats, or new pet store regulations. The divided city council ultimately decided to move forward with considering options to regulate pet stores.
The pipeline from puppy mills to pet stores is an animal welfare and consumer protection issue that is most effectively addressed by ending the sale of commercially-bred dogs and cats in pet stores. Animal Humane Society will continue to partner with other humane organizations to engage with Blaine residents and the city council. Our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for animals trapped in mills and for the unwitting customers whose pet store purchases support this breeding practice.
We need your support
If you live in Blaine: Please email the Blaine City Council at [email protected] and ask them to reconsider enacting a humane pet store ordinance to end the sale of puppy mill puppies in Blaine pet stores. Be sure to let them know you live in Blaine.
Sample message: Hello, my name is [name] and my address is [address]. I respectfully ask that you continue to consider a humane pet store ordinance to end the sale of puppy mill puppies in Blaine pet stores. This ordinance will help stop puppy mill cruelty and prevent consumer heartache. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [your name]
If you do not live in Blaine: Urge anyone you know who lives in Blaine to contact their City Council.
Frequently asked questions
Puppy and kitten mills are inhumane commercial breeding facilities that disregard the health and well-being of the animals to maintain a low overhead and increase profits. The focus of such facilities is the mass production of animals for re-sale to pet stores and online brokers.
The ordinance would prohibit pet stores from selling dogs and cats while allowing stores to host adoption events with animal shelters and rescues.
A humane pet store ordinance is business-friendly. The majority of pet stores in Blaine and across the country have adopted a humane business model where they do not sell dogs and cats. Instead, these stores make money from selling supplies and services — protecting animals and consumers.
Responsible breeders do not sell to pet stores because they meet prospective buyers in person. Also, 96% of National Breed Clubs include statements that their breeders should not and/or do not sell to pet stores. It is only those breeders with something to hide that rely on pet stores to sell their puppies.
Five states in the US and over 400 localities across the country, including Roseville, Eden Prairie, St. Paul, Carver, and Cloquet, Minnesota, have passed humane pet store laws.
Residents of Blaine, Blaine's hometown hockey hero David Backes and wife Kelly, Animal Folks, Animal Humane Society, Animal Rights Coalition, Humane Society of the United States, and Minnesotans Against Puppy Mills.
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