UPDATE: The issue to ban further local permits for industrial dog breeding kennels was placed on the Committee of The Board meeting (Winona County Board) on October 24. In a vote of 3-2, it was agreed to place the discussion and vote at a January regular board meeting. Over 900 petitions opposing puppy mills and supporting a ban on these kennels have been submitted to the county board. Learn more and sign petition at: TAKE ACTION

NOTE: This issue is not just about Winona County. Dog breeding facilities in this county sell puppies to pet stores and brokers nationwide. Documents show shipments to Missouri, Florida, and New York. 

​STOP THE GROWTH OF PUPPY MILLS
IN WINONA COUNTY

Winona County is known as the "Puppy Mill Capitol of Minnesota." This is due to the fact that, for years, the county has issued numerous local permits to large-scale dog breeding operations. 

Enough is enough. It's time to speak up.

​The Winona County board has agreed to discuss the issue of large-scale dog breeding facilities. To protect dogs and puppies in these kennels and support the neighbors who live near the kennels, we need to be sure the public and canine health experts are part of this discussion. Learn more about how you can help at Take Action.

Learn more about the ISSUE.
Questions? Go to FAQ.

WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF WINONA COUNTY?

Puppy mills mass produce puppies for profit. 
Adult breeding dogs are kept confined in the kennels for years and bred repeatedly. Puppies are pulled at 8 weeks and shipped to brokers and pet stores.

WHAT IS A PUPPY MILL?

A puppy mill is a facility with numerous adult dogs confined in cages and pens for the mass production of puppies.

WHO ARE THE BREEDERS?

Multiple dog breeding facilities operate in Winona County; most kennels are located in
​Utica and St. Charles. 

WHAT IS A PERMIT?

A conditional use permit
(CUP) or interim use permit (IUP) is granted by the county and includes conditions.

WHAT IS A LICENSE?

 Depending on size and other factors, dog breeders and brokers may also require a state or federal license.

TAKE ACTION

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

From signing a petition to contacting commissioners to writing a letter to the editor to attending board meetings to sharing this website and getting your friends involved, your voice is their voice. These dogs don't have a chance without you speaking up.  

TAKE ACTION