THIS ISSUE IS ABOUT VALUES AND BELIEFS

In the Winona County Comprehensive Plan, the county states that an integral portion of their planning efforts is determining and defining the local values and beliefs of the community — and that these beliefs can change over time. 

Just as with individuals, values and beliefs define what are important to a community and guide decision-making.
What does Winona County value?
For years, residents in Winona County and people from throughout Minnesota have expressed opposition to puppy mills — the mass production of puppies through large-scale dog breeding facilities. (See description below.) The public values the humane treatment of animals and believes the mass production of puppies in Winona County must stop.  

This concern was shared with the county board through calls, emails, petitions, letters, and attendance at hearings with a request for action: Prioritize the health and well-being of dogs and puppies and ban further permits for commercial dog breeding kennels in Winona County.

UPDATE: At a 03-11-25 county board meeting, the majority of the board (3-2 vote) heard residents and voted to ban further permits for commercial breeding kennels in Winona County. Learn more at Take Action.
The State of Minnesota grants authority to take action
Minnesota Statutes sec. 394.21 reads "For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community, any county in the state....is authorized to carry on county planning and zoning activities." (Permits for dog breeding facilities fall under planning and zoning.)

Note the words morals and general welfare. Growth and development of a community is not solely about commerce; it also involves a broader public purpose. What benefits the public? What is of interest to the community?

Many people view their dogs as part of the family. Prioritizing the care and well-being of these animals, whether within a household or business, is considered a moral act and part of the general welfare — for the animals and community.
COUNTY BOARD TOOK ACTION

On March 11, 2025, the Winona County Board chose to create real change and take real action to protect dogs.

In  3-2 vote, the board passed a resolution to change its zoning ordinance to prohibit permits for future dog breeding kennels that mass produce puppies. 

WHAT IS A PUPPY MILL?

A puppy mill is defined as:
"Any profit-centered breeding facility in which the number of dogs has exceeded the owner's ability and/or willingness to meet the physical and emotional needs of all of the animals to a degree that permits the animals to have a decent quality of life." (Franklin McMillan, DVM, Understanding and Caring for Rescued Puppy Mill Dogs.)

Another definition: "A puppy mill is a dog breeding operation in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits." (Avenson v. Zegart, 577 F. Supp. 958, U.S. District Court, Minnesota.)

Brokers and pet stores place "orders" for puppies and the puppy mill mass produces the animals to fill the orders. To make higher sales, more animals are bred. To make higher profits, corners are cut, such as less staff and positive interactions with each dog, inadequate veterinary care, and other factors. 

The main concern: The mass production of puppies (to fill pet store orders) by confining dogs in kennels for years.​
Adult breeding animals
Perhaps the most distressing concern with these breeding facilities (puppy mills) are the adult male and female dogs left behind in the kennels.

These adult breeding animals are confined in the kennel for years and bred repeatedly to produce as many litters as possible. When the female has a problem getting pregnant or starts delivering dead puppies or kittens, the animal is no longer considered of use to the breeder. The adult animal may then be retired, killed, sold at auction, or given away to an animal shelter or rescue who pays for their care at their own expense.
The litters
Puppies are sold to pet stores, brokers, or directly to consumers around 8 weeks of age. This is a critical development period for the animal and yet they are pulled from the mother and their littermates and often shipped across state lines where they may be re-caged at a broker's building then shipped again to pet stores, where they will be caged until sold. Studies have documented this sudden separation and stressful transport can lead to fear, anxiety, and other lasting behavioral problems that may be difficult or impossible to treat.
Breeding facilities
It is rare to obtain video that shows the inside of a dog breeding kennel.

Below are two videos showing examples of two breeding kennels. One is from an undercover investigation of a dog breeder in Hillsboro, Wisconsin conducted by the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS). Another video, also taken by CAPS, is from the outside of a dog breeding facility in Cushing, Minnesota. Neither are from Winona County breeders (no videos available). Breeders vary in size, condition, and compliance.

Psychological health: the need for socialization and enrichment
The psychological and emotional health of dogs and puppies in dog breeding facilities is critical to the well-being of each animal — and yet this mental health is often the most neglected or misunderstood by puppy mill owners.

Breeding dogs who are not provided with basic care and attention result in animals with psychological and behavioral problems, often requiring years of rehabilitation. 
Psychological studies
This psychological harm can be severe and is due to treatment of the dogs and exposure of the dogs to conditions in the kennels. Dr. Franklin McMillan conducted a distinguished study of 1,169 dogs who were formerly kept for breeding purposes in commercial breeding facilities. He found puppy mill dogs "displayed significantly higher rates of fear (both social and nonsocial), house-soiling, and compulsive staring." The fear-related behaviors included dogs who were always on alert or on edge, skittish, easily scared or spooked, frightened most of the time, sensitive to touch, and other issues.

Two explanations for this impaired mental health provided by Dr. McMillan are:
  • Exposure to stress. Dogs in large breeding facilities can be exposed to many stressful experiences. Examples: "confinement, lack of enrichment, lack of play, inability to escape from cage-mates, lack of positive human interaction, excessive noise, noxious smells, temperature extremes, wire cage flooring, inadequate health care — all can be sources of psychological distress, suffering and trauma." Severe cases can result in stress-induced psychopathy, where the animals show stereotypical behaviors such as pacing and circling, over-grooming and self-mutilation, head-bobbing, weaving, swaying, and excessive licking. 
  • Inadequate early socialization. Inadequate socialization "during the first few months of a puppy's life leaves the social brain connections improperly configured for health and positive social relationships throughout the dog's life. With rare exceptions, puppy mill breeding dogs are themselves conceived, born, and raised in puppy mills and live in throughout their sensitive periods for socialization." Puppies and the breeding dogs are deprived of stimulus.

Because mental health is so important, required socialization and enrichment of each dog with adequate staffing of the facility for daily observation of the animals' well-being were specifically added to the Minnesota dog and cat breeder law (Minn. Stat. sec. 347.59).  It is unknown how or if this language is being enforced by the state or by the county. For licensing details, see LICENSES - State Licensing.  

​Further, Winona County staff have directed all animal welfare efforts to the state. In some of the breeder permits, a "socialization yard" was added as a condition; however, while construction of the yard is required, checking to see if the animals actually use the yard (i.e., if dogs are released into the yard to play, exercise, and socialize with other dogs or people; and for how long) is not.
Physical health

The physical health of adult dogs and puppies can also be impacted by conditions in large-scale breeding facilities. Poor to deplorable conditions can cause stress, disease, and injuries for the animals. Such as:
  • Lack of sanitation and if animals are continually standing in feces or urine can spread bacteria and disease.
  • Contaminated water and food receptacles can harbor microorganisms.
  • Pests and mice droppings can spread diseases and viruses. 
  • Overcrowded conditions, including confinement and barking, can increase stress and weaken immune systems.
  • Too cold or too hot temperatures (indoors or outdoors) can cause stress and death.

Poor to deplorable housing conditions and minimal veterinary care can contribute to a host of diseases and injuries, including inheritable disorders. Examples (per MSVMA Veterinary Report on Puppy Mills, May 2013):
  • Lack of dental care can cause infection, pain, and emaciation (loss of eating due to lack of teeth)
  • Cage/wire injuries to feet, legs, face, and body (i.e., standing for years on a wire floor in cage)
  • Bacterial diseases: kennel cough, brucellosis, staph sp. infections, pneumonia
  • Parasitic infections: giardia, hook worms, tape worms, round worms, whip worms, lung worms
  • Viral Infection: parvo virus, distemper virus, parainfluenza type I and II
  • Heritable Disorders: orthopedic problems (e.g., early hip dysplasia, luxating patella), heart abnormalities, neurological disorders, ocular abnormalities, chronic immune diseases, allergies
Of importance:​ Just because a kennel looks clean or caging is "modern" does not mean that the animals are doing well. (Newer caging at right from a prelicense USDA inspection report photo.)

​This is about the physical, mental, behavioral, and social well-being of each animal. This is about canine health. How often does each dog get out of the cage? How much attention is given to every dog every day? How often is each dog allowed to exercise - not just a few feet but a full run or walk with play and interaction? Are unhealthy dogs with inheritable diseases bred? Are dogs allowed to "get away" from constant barking or aggressive dogs? What is the lighting and temperature in the kennel? What is the bedding for sleeping (i.e., cement floor causing arthritis)?
What happens to the adult dogs when they are used up and no longer able to breed?

WHERE DO PUPPIES GO?

This is about money. Most puppies are sold and shipped to pet stores or to brokers who flip them to pet stores.

The breeder charges a price for each puppy, the carrier charges a fee for transport of the animals, the veterinarian charges a fee for signing the CVI (below) or examination of the animal, the broker charges a fee to locate and transport puppies to pet stores, and the pet store marks up the price for sale to consumers. Today's retail prices at pet stores show puppies sold for thousands of dollars. One Minnesota pet store in Blaine prices puppies at $1,299 - $4,999. Petlands in Missouri and Florida sell puppies for as high as $9,000. The consumer buys.
Research shows that many Winona County breeders are shipping and selling to brokers and pet stores out of Minnesota. (These breeders may also sell to brokers and pet stores in Minnesota but there is no documentation to verify that. Some breeders are also be selling directly to consumers.)

Below is a sample of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), providing examples of brokers and pet stores placing orders with these breeders and receiving puppies.
The MN Board of Animal Health, who collects and maintains CVIs, abruptly stopped providing copies of CVIs to the public around 2016 so some CVIs below are from earlier years. 
• Missouri. Sales of puppies were made to pet stores in Missouri in 2022 and 2023. Examples below show different Winona County breeders (Leroy Yoder, David A. Yoder, Ada Yoder, and Toby Detweiler) selling to two Petlands in Missouri: Petland Fenton Crossing (pet store), Fenton, Missouri and
Petland Lake St.Louis (pet store), St. Louis, Missouri. 
​These are just a few of the CVIs. Sales to Missouri from earlier years also listed below. 
• Florida. Sales of puppies were made to pet stores in Florida in 2022. Examples below.
  • TO Palm Beach Puppies (pet store), Boca Raton, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Henry Yoder (NOTE: CVI signed by Leroy Yoder, as owner/agent)
  • TO Petland Pembroke Pines (pet store), Pembroke Pines, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Henry Yoder (NOTE: CVI signed by Leroy Yoder, as owner/agent)
  • TO Petland Pembroke Pries (pet store), Pembroke Pines, Florida. From Winona County breeder: David A Yoder, Skyline View LLC
  • TO Palm Beach Puppies (pet store), Boca Raton, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Leroy Yoder, Pleasant View Kennel
  • TO Palm Beach Puppies (pet store), Boca Raton, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Toby Detweiler, Hidden Hollow Kennel
  • TO Petland Pembroke Pines (pet store), Pembroke Pines, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Toby Detweiler, Hidden Hollow Kennel
  • TO Petland Largo 02 (pet store), Largo, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Ada Yoder
  • TO Petland Kendall (pet store), Miami, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Ada Yoder
  • TO Pooches of Naples (pet store), Naples, Florida. From Winona County breeder: Menno Yoder
• New York. Sales of puppies were made to pet stores in New York. Examples show 2020, 2021, 2022.
  • TO Puppy Experience (pet store), Aquebogue, New York. From Winona County breeder: John Henry Miller
  • TO Sportsmans Kennel (pet store), Manordille, New York. From Winona County breeder: John Henry Miller
  • TO Puppy Paradize (pet store), Brooklyn, New York. From Winona County breeder: John Henry Miller
  • TO Selmers Petland (pet store), South Huntington, New York. From Winona County breeder: John Henry Miller
• 2020: Missouri. Sales of puppies were made to pet stores in Missouri in 2020. Examples of two CVIs posted below.
  • TO Petland (pet store) in Blue Springs, Missouri. From Winona County breeder: Pleasant View LLC
  • TO Petland (pet store) in North Kansas City, Missouri. From Winona County breeder: John Henry Miller

  • 2019: Missouri.  Pleasant View Kennel sold to the broker Choice Puppies in Missouri, who resells and ships the puppies to pet store nationwide; date 2019. 

  • 2017: Florida. Numerous sales were made to pet stores in Florida in 2017, including (not all CVIs are posted): 
    • TO Petland in Pembroke Pines: FROM Winona County breeders: Skyline View Kennels, Menno Yoder, Sandstone Valley Kennel, Samuel Schwartz, David D. Yoder, David D. Yoder Jr., Henry Yoder, Pleasant View Kennel, Leroy Yoder 
    • TO Petland Davie: FROM Winona County breeders: Leroy Yoder, Sandstone Valley, Skyline View Kennel, Samuel Schwartz, Pleasant View Kennel 
    • TO Petland Sarasota: FROM Winona County breeders: Pleasant View Kennel, Henry Yoder, David D. Yoder, Menno Yoder, Skyline View Kennel, Henry E. Yoder, Leroy Yoder 
    • TO Petland Pensacola: FROM Winona County breeders: Joe Bontrager, Skyline View Kennel, Sandstone Valley Kennel, Menno Yoder, Henry Yoder, Pleasant View Kennel, David D. Yoder, Jr., Samuel Schwartz, Toby Detweiler, Menno Bontrager 
    • Some Winona County breeders also sold puppies to Petland Orlando South; Pet Kingdom, Fort Meyers; and Puppy Avenue, Jacksonville.
      ​
  • 2015: Missouri. Leroy Yoder, Menno Bontrager and Jake Yoder sold to the broker Pinnacle Pets in Missouri, who resells and ships the puppies to pet stores nationwide; date 2015.

  • 2013-2015: Iowa. Animal Folks found numerous sales in previous years made to a broker named Will Yoder in Iowa. (Sales to the same broker could continue for Winona County breeders; request made to Iowa for recent certificates.) Examples: 
  • Indiana. Consumer purchase: Menno Yoder sold puppies to Petland in Indiana as posted by a consumer; consumer paperwork shows breeder and pet store name.

​Breed, age, and sex of each puppy, with quantities shipped to wholesaler, are noted on each CVI. 

Veterinarians are listed on the CVIs who work directly with these breeding facilities. Veterinarians must examine each animal for infectious or contagious disease prior to the puppies being shipped across state lines; it is not an examination of the animal's overall well-being or other physical and mental conditions. 

​The carrier for the above transactions was noted as Shadow's in Iowa; and Puppy Travelers and W.W.A.T. in Missouri. ​
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