FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Brief answers to some questions are below with links to other pages.

1. What exactly is the "ban" — what does it mean?
The "ban," passed by the Winona County board in a 3-2 vote on March 11, 2025, is to ban (prohibit) local permits on future commercial dog breeding kennels. These kennels, large in size, are known to mass produce puppies to fill orders placed by pet stores nationwide. A local permit is required for a business, such as a dog breeding kennel, to be established and operate in the county. The board made a motion to change language in the Zoning Ordinance to prohibit permits for future commercial dog  breeding kennels; this motion was discussed in multiple meetings and public hearings, findings (reasons) to support the ban were defined, and the resolution was passed. This action does not effect the kennels who already have a conditional or interim use permit and are currently operating. Existing kennels are "grandfathered in."
NOTE: Ban applies to "any structure ... where four or more dogs over four months are kept or maintained for breeding or selling as a commercial, profit-making activity for six or more months."

2. Why is Winona County known as the "puppy mill capital of Minnesota"?
Winona County is described as the "puppy mill capital of Minnesota" because of the high number of local permits granted for the operation of large-scale dog breeding facilities within the county. A local permit is required prior to obtaining a federal or state license. Permitted facilities are found on the BREEDERS page. These permits were reviewed and recommended by the Winona County Planning Commission with final approval by the Winona County Board. Twelve commercial dog breeding kennels currently have permits with ten kennels in full operation — some with hundreds of dogs and puppies.

3. What about the kennels that are already operating?
As noted in above, certain dog breeding kennels (see BREEDERS) are grandfathered in and continue to operate. In prior board meetings, the Winona County Board discussed animal welfare and permit conditions for the existing kennels. Testimony was heard and data was received about the inconsistency in conditions of current permits (i.e., some permits have no conditions; some have a few conditions; some have multiple conditions; some kennels have a limit on breeding dogs; some do not), concerns with federal and state regulatory authority (including data transparency), and lack of local staff who are qualified in dog welfare to conduct inspections. The board discussed what actions, if any, should be made to improve standards and ensure compliance within existing kennels. No formal action/vote was taken by the board at this time. This can be re-visited in the future.

4. This issue has come up in the past and the board did nothing. What's different?
The Winona County Board makes the final decision on what or if conditional use permits are issued to large-scale dog breeding operations in the county. The Board is made up of 5 commissioners, who represent different areas of the county and are voted in by their constituents. The commissioners represent their constituents and determine the values and beliefs of the county, and the public purpose. In 2016, when this same issue was raised, the county board, in a split vote of 3-2, voted to allow and permit multiple large-scale (industrial) dog breeding operations. Since 2016, new commissioners have been elected to the county board. Three of the five commissioners have voted to promote the welfare of dogs and puppies in these kennels. See ACTION page for an update on the motions made and vote taken.

5. What exactly is a puppy mill?
For a description, go to ISSUE.

6. If puppy mills are so bad, why do they still exist?
The core problem is that these dog breeding facilities are legitimized when they are given a permit at the local level, which then allows them to also be licensed by the state or federal government. With these permits and licenses, these facilities are given full permission to operate and mass produce puppies. And yet — these laws and permits are not based on current scientific knowledge of animal psychology and behavior, pain and suffering, and welfare. So permits, when granted, are inadequate to protect the dogs from psychological and physical harm. Further, even if stringent conditions are imposed, a law is only as good as its enforcement — often, local, federal, or state staff and inspectors lack the necessary knowledge and training in canine health and well-being to properly assess the health of the animals.

7. What is the biggest concern about these facilities?
The psychological harm to the animals. The adult breeding dogs are confined in the facilities for years (often their entire life) so as to be bred repeatedly to produce multiple litters of puppies and make money for the breeder (as well as brokers, pet stores, veterinarians, and carriers). The harm to the dogs is not just physical; it is also psychological creating fear-related behaviors (i.e., dogs frightened all the time, always on alert, staring intently at nothing), learning deficits, and abnormal, compulsive behaviors (i.e., dogs spinning in circles, tail-chasing, self-mutilation), that are severe and often last forever with the animal. This impaired mental health is due to on-going exposure to stress and inadequate early socialization. Animal rescue groups and humane societies can provide countless stories of former puppy mill dogs needing years of rehabilitation, if the animal can improve. Learn more at ISSUE (scroll to psychological health).

8. What about physical harm to the dogs and puppies?
As mentioned in above, often inspectors may not know what to look for in regard to canine health. During an inspection, inspectors may see obvious kennel problems, such as excessive feces or urine, but not be aware of or document animal diseases that are passed on and create pain, suffering, or death with the puppies. Example: Unhealthy dogs may be bred and inheritable diseases or conditions, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), luxating patellas, etc., are passed to the puppies. These puppies are then sold to pet stores who then sell them to unsuspecting consumers. If a sickly puppy is sold to a consumer, the family suffers financially and emotionally, paying significant veterinary bills to try and treat the animal or, ultimately, watching their puppy die. Animal Folks receives complaints from consumers who are heart-broken; consumers may try and get justice for their pet through Minnesota consumer protection laws, but that can be overwhelming for those who do not know the legal system.

9. Are there are other counties in Minnesota with puppy mills?
Minnesota is known for having some of the largest puppy mills in the nation. Where they are located has shifted over the years. Morrison County was the "puppy mill capital" in Minnesota due to its large number of kennels. These kennels were owned and operated mainly by family members — mothers, fathers, kids, aunts, uncles. The extended "family" got into the dog breeding business as a way to make big bucks. Over the past years, many of the family members in Morrison County left the "breeding" business. One kennel — A.J.'s Angel — still operates in Cushing (MN) and is the largest dog breeding kennel in the state with over 1,100 dogs and puppies per a 2021 USDA inspection report. For a list and profile of other dog breeding facilities in Minnesota, go to puppy mills. Winona County is similar to other dog breeding communities in other states due to the high concentration of breeders within Utica and St. Charles.

10. Aren't these breeders already licensed by the federal and state government?
Some breeders are licensed by the federal (USDA) government and/or state (Board of Animal Health) and some are not. Some are required to be licensed and have failed to do so, violating law. Over the years, Winona County has not checked to see which breeders are in compliance, even though adherence to state and federal laws is a condition of many permits. "Checking and verifying" require process and staff. However, this is the point: Having a state or federal license is not a stamp of approval; merely ordering a kennel to have a federal or state license does not ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in the kennels. The failure of the federal government (USDA) in protecting these dogs and puppies in licensed facilities is well-documented. Further, the MN Board of Animal Health (BAH) has not been audited to determine if they are enforcing the state dog and cat breeder law as intended by the MN Legislature, with a focus on protecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of each animal. The BAH is an independent state board and reports to no one.

11. My commissioner said she went to a kennel and thought everything was fine. Why would she say that?
Multiple questions: Was this visit announced ahead of time so the breeder "cleaned up" before she showed up? Was the commissioner trained in canine health and well-being so she is fully aware of what to look for, such as the dogs' ears for possible infections, the dogs' feet if standing all day every day on wire-flooring, the dog's teeth for dental care (not rotting or infected gums), the dogs' nails (length), the dogs' joints from laying on cement floors which can result in painful arthritis, veterinary records to determine how often the animals are provided veterinary care, odors to determine ammonia due to excessive urine, temperatures in the winter and summer, level of barking (noise), number of qualified staff for observation and interaction with each animal, shelter conditions, food and water, parasites and bacteria, licensing records, and numerous other conditions that indicate compliance of permit conditions — and the basic quality and decency of life for these animals. But the most important question: How much time did this commissioner spend in the kennel? Did she or he look around for ten minutes one day in one year? The adult breeding dogs live in these breeding facilities 24/7 every week, every month, every year — many for 7 years or more until their body wears out and is no longer of use to produce more litters. The excessive confinement and chronic exposure to these conditions are what create lasting physical and psychological harm to the animals. 

12. My commissioner said that these breeders breed and sell these dogs to raise money to pay their taxes. Do they need this income to survive?
Every business must pay taxes, if that is sales, property, or income. Many of the breeders in this community operate multiple other businesses, such as other farming (crops and livestock), nurseries (flower production), lumber production, steel products, and other money-raising ventures. Confining massive amounts of dogs to produce massive amount of puppies is yet just another way to generate more money. Many if not all of these breeders have other businesses.

13. I read that the county defers all animal welfare to the state. Why?
The planning staff testified before the Winona County board that they believe animal welfare is not the county's responsibility. As such, they have deferred all "animal welfare" issues or standards to the state. Providing animal welfare inspections and standards can be difficult for local government. Many local budgets are stretched thin; the county may not have the funds to hire qualified staff to assume this duty. However, deferring all animal welfare to another unit of government, such as the state, does not mean animal welfare standards are met. As residents have said, 'Why is the county granting permits to these breeding facilities if it doesn't care about animal welfare — or take any responsibility for it?' The county can and should raise questions about the treatment of animals in these kennels; these "products" are sentient beings. This issue is raised in letters to the editor.

14. What can I do to help?
For everyone who spoke up and contacted county board members, thank you! Your voice was heard! In March 2025 the Winona County Board voted to ban future permits of commercial dog breeding kennels. Please send a thank you to the three commissioners (Greg Olson, Chris Myer, and Dwayne Voegeli) who listened to residents and voted for the protection of the dogs. Learn more details about at: TAKE ACTION.

15. Who can I call with questions?
Contact Animal Folks. Go to the CONTACT page and email us.