Opposition to Minnesota’s “Rescue Mandate” Legislation: 

MN HF2627

A hearing for MN HF2627 in the Minnesota House Commerce Finance & Policy Committee is scheduled for tomorrow, April 1, 2025 at 8:15 AM. 

Minnesota’s proposed HF2627 "Rescue Mandate" is a deeply flawed policy that unfairly targets lawful, licensed pet stores while handing exclusive market control to unregulated animal rescue organizations. This bill does not improve animal welfare—instead, it eliminates consumer choice, reduces transparency, and forces pet stores to operate under outrageous, government-imposed restrictions that prohibit them from making a profit on the very animals they are required to offer.

Eliminates Consumer Choice & Transparency

• By banning pet stores from selling professionally bred dogs and cats, the bill forces consumers to obtain pets only from shelters and rescues—organizations that lack the regulatory oversight applied to licensed breeders and retailers.
• Licensed breeders follow strict USDA and state standards for animal care, while rescues are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. This means consumers receive little to no information about an animal’s health history, breeding background, or potential genetic disorders.

Creates a Monopoly for Unregulated Rescues    

• The legislation gives shelters and rescues a government-sanctioned monopoly, allowing them to sell pets in stores while banning reputable pet stores from offering healthy, well-bred animals from professional breeders.
• Many rescues import animals from out of state and even internationally, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and behavioral issues in adopted pets.

Bans Pet Stores from Making a Profit on Rescue Animals

• MN HF2627 allows pet stores to display animals from rescues and shelters, but prohibits them from having an ownership interest or receiving any fee from the sale of these animals.
• This is an outrageous government overreach—forcing private businesses to use their space, staff, and resources to sell animals without making a profit or recouping costs.
• No other industry is subjected to such a restriction—grocery stores aren’t required to give away food without making a profit, and bookstores aren’t forced to sell donated books at cost. Why should pet stores be treated differently?

Harms Small Businesses & Responsible Breeders

• Minnesota’s pet stores play a crucial role in connecting families with responsibly bred pets. This bill effectively puts them out of business while allowing unregulated rescues to take their place.
• By restricting pet sales to rescues, reputable breeders lose a key avenue to reach prospective pet owners, further driving demand toward underground and out-of-state sources.
• Fails to Address the Root Cause of Shelter Overcrowding

Sets a Dangerous Precedent for Animal Ownership Rights

• This legislation is part of a larger agenda by animal rights extremists to eliminate commercial breeding altogether.
• Consumers should have the right to choose where they obtain a pet, whether from a responsible breeder, a shelter, or a pet store.

Minnesota lawmakers should reject this unfair and overreaching “Rescue Mandate” and instead focus on fair, transparent policies that promote responsible pet ownership without destroying small businesses. The state should regulate rescues and shelters with the same standards imposed on breeders and pet stores to ensure true consumer protection and animal welfare—not legislate pet stores out of business.

Please email your opposition to MN HF2627 to the House Commerce Finance & Policy Committee by April 1, 2025 at 8:15 AM. Use our Sample Letter below: 

rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov

rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov

rep.steve.elkins@house.mn.gov

rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov

rep.keith.allen@house.mn.gov

rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov

 rep.greg.davids@house.mn.gov

rep.jeff.dotseth@house.mn.gov

 rep.alex.falconer@house.mn.gov

rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov

rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.gov

rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.gov

rep.carlie.kotyza-witthuhn@house.mn.gov

rep.ron.kresha@house.mn.gov

rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov

rep.max.rymer@house.mn.gov

rep.andy.smith@house.mn.gov

rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov

rep.scott.vanbinsbergen@house.mn.gov

rep.nolan.west@house.mn.gov