Local city ordinances are driving a state-level pet sale debate.
A growing trend of local ordinances banning the sale of commercially bred animals has put the issue on the state's legislative agenda, brewing a discussion about a statewide ban.
12 Minnesota cities have already passed similar ordinances as communities like Blaine join the movement.
DFL House Representative Matt Norris, who represents the north suburban area, is leading the charge.
"Really been raising awareness of the fact that when live dogs and cats are being sold in many of these stores, there's a risk that they're coming from puppy mills or other breeding situations that are not humane."
Norris says a new bill will likely be introduced next session that would allow existing stores to sell animals, but only if they work with licensed breeders.
It's all about protecting consumers and animals, a goal that many communities have been getting behind.
"You know there's concerns, and rightfully so at the capitol, about we don't want to ruin anybody's livelihood," says Norris. "But at the same time, we want to make sure that we're protecting animals. We're protecting the public."
This proposed statewide legislation would require existing pet stores to be upfront about where the animals come from. Minnesota pet rescue advocates are joining this new push to end pet store cat and dog sales in the state.
Azure Davis, founder of Princeton's Ruff Start Rescue, cites Minnesota's animal overpopulation crisis.
"We're seeing less people adopting in general, just because they can't afford them or they can't find a vet," says Davis. "And so, when that is already the case, why would we be breeding more animals and puting them in the forefront of a store?"
Davis believes this ban would not only save countless animals but would also benefit businesses, as pet stores could transition to a more humane, rescue-focused model.
Davis also argues that the ban is essential to combat the inhumane conditions often found in breeding mills.
"There's just, we don't have enough homes as it is for animals, and there are over 200 rescues in the State of Minnesota alone with these animals that need help," Davis adds. "It's just kind of fighting against everything that, you know, we're trying to do when there's animals out there suffering."
A new bill addressing this issue is slated for the upcoming legislative session in 2026.