Minnesota Lawmakers Propose Bills to Protect Dogs and Cats

Proposals include banning pet shop sales of dogs and cats, prohibiting cat declawing, and increasing transparency on commercial breeders.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Minnesota lawmakers have introduced several bills this legislative session aimed at improving the welfare of dogs and cats in the state. The proposals include banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet shops, prohibiting the declawing of cats, and increasing public disclosure of information about commercial dog and cat breeding operations.

Why it matters

These bills reflect growing public concern over issues like 'puppy mills' and the practice of declawing cats, which is seen by many as inhumane. The proposed measures would align Minnesota with several other states that have already enacted similar laws, while also providing more transparency around commercial breeding facilities.

The details

The pet shop sales ban would prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats, with a grandfather clause for existing stores that have been selling animals from breeders. The cat declawing ban would make the procedure illegal except for medical necessity. And the 'Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill' would require the state's regulatory agency to publicly disclose more information about commercial breeders, including inspection reports and enforcement records.

  • The pet shop sales ban bill will be discussed in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee on March 10, 2026.
  • Minnesota already passed a law in 2024 prohibiting landlords from requiring cats to be declawed or dogs to be 'devocalized' as a condition of tenancy.

The players

Rep. Matt Norris

The DFL-Blaine lawmaker is the House bill author for the proposed ban on pet shop sales of dogs and cats.

Rep. Andy Smith

The DFL-Rochester lawmaker proposed the House bill to ban elective declawing of cats.

Rep. Mike Freiberg

The DFL-Golden Valley lawmaker is a sponsor of the 'Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill' to increase public information on commercial breeders.

Sen. Bonnie Westlin

The DFL-Plymouth lawmaker is a sponsor of the 'Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill'.

Minnesota Board of Animal Health

The state's regulatory agency for commercial breeders, which would be required to disclose more information under the transparency bill.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.