OP-ED: Regulate, don’t eliminate: Minnesota’s pet bill risks unintended consequences
The Minnesota Reformer published an op-ed from Lauren Calmet, Director of Government Affairs at the Pet Advocacy Network, who argues that a state proposal (HF2627/SF1943) to ban pet stores from selling puppies and kittens is a misguided approach to targeting irresponsible breeding. The measure would eliminate regulated, transparent sales and instead push demand into unregulated channels—like online marketplaces and informal resellers—reducing consumer protections and oversight.
“California enacted a similar law with the same goals in mind. What followed wasn’t progress. It was chaos,” notes Calmet. “If lawmakers are serious about protecting animals and consumers, the answer isn’t to cap and phase out responsible businesses. What we need is better enforcement of the laws already on the books.”