LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.

UPDATE: Thank you to all those who attended the Winona County board meeting on August 27 at 6pm. Your presence and voice showed the board members that this is an issue of importance.

At this meeting, the board, in a majority vote (3-2), accepted the staff recommendation for "findings of an emergency." In doing so, this action allowed the county to proceed legally with the two motions made in February:

1. To ban future permits for commercial dog breeding kennels;
2. To pursue Option 4 of staff options presented; which will study a dog licensing program with higher performance standards and other factors.
   

Link to the "findings of emergency" - defined in August 27 agenda. Scroll to findings within agenda.

ACTION: If you still have a yardsign, please put it back up so residents can see the vast support for action to stop puppy mills and protect the dogs.

The Winona County Board agreed the issue of industrial dog breeding kennels needed further discussion and action.

​Multiple meetings have been held on this issue over the past years. The county board placed the issue on the board agenda, which was held February 13, 2024, for discussion and vote. Discussion was held. Two motions were made and passed in a 3-2 vote to pursue 1) a ban on future permits for dog breeding kennels in Winona County; and 2) how to better protect animals currently confined in facilities already permitted. 

As decisions by the board will change the zoning ordinance, staff was directed to provide legal options to move the motions forward. These recommendations were presented at the board meetings on August 13 and August 27, 2024. Further legal steps will be taken in the coming months. We will post other action alerts on this website.

THREE ACTIONS

1. Sign petition in support​

Your support:
"I oppose puppy mills in Winona County. I believe the mass production of puppies in these breeding facilities causes harm to the dogs and puppies. I support action by the county board, including a ban on future permits for any new kennels and new rules that set higher standards for existing kennels. This is a priority to me and I ask that the county board and staff make it a priority too."

NOTE: Your voice is still needed. While the vote at the 02-13-24 board meeting addresses the ban and new rules highlighted above, it is important to still stay strong as the process is finalized. Your name and support are needed.

Animal Folks will submit your name and information to the Winona County Commissioners. Please include your address so we can determine your district and commissioner. If you don't live in Winona County, you may still sign and submit the petition.

By signing, you are giving Animal Folks permission to email you with updates and action alerts.

       Sign petition

* INDICATES REQUIRED FIELD

2. Contact County Commissioners

Winona County is located in southern Minnesota. The county represents multiple cities and townships. Winona County is divided into five districts with one commissioner representing each District. (Names and map at right.)

Don't know your district or commissioner? See link in right column. 

Please send a thank you to the three commissioners below who voted to ban future permits for commercial dog breeding kennels and voted to explore other actions to enhance animal welfare in existing (already permitted) kennels:

• Commissioner Greg Olson
• Commissioner Chris Meyer
• Commissioner Dwayne Voegeli

County commissioners:
District 1 - Chris M. Meyer
District 2 - Dwayne A. Voegeli
District 3 - Josh D. Elsing
District 4 - Greg Olson
District 5 - Marcia Ward
Emails and phone numbers for each commissioner can be found on the ​Winona County Board website.

To find your district and your commissioner, you can:
1. Go to the MN Polling Place Finder and enter your address. Your "County Commissioner" district number will be displayed, along with other election information.
2. Or call the county at 507-457-6349 and ask for their assistance. Simply give them your address.

County Board email and phone below:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 507-457-6350
• Address: Winona County Office Building,
  202 W Third Street, 1st floor, Winona, MN 55987

3. Spread the word

We need your help generating awareness.

• Post a yardsign. Help us print and distribute more yardsigns by donating to this issue. (Photo at right.)
  100 signs are already in the county — we need to print more to spread the word! Want a sign? Contact us (but we first need donations to fund the cost of printing more.)
  ​
• Write a letter to the editor. To read letters already published, go to MEDIA. Below are details for two local newspapers:
  • Winona Post (must live in Winona County; submit by Monday at 4pm to run on Wednesday; for word count and other details, click link)
  • Winona Daily News (word count is 275 words or less; must include name, address, and phone; click on link for further details and to submit)​

BOARD ACTIONS: MEETINGS AND MINUTES

For county board meeting days, times, agendas, and minutes, click here.
​To follow the board process, the issue must first be placed on the agenda for future discussion.

• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (08-27-24): Held. 6pm. See update with links at top of page.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (08-13-24): Held. Staff presented recommendations for process and timeline for the dog breeding kennel issue based on two motions by the board in February. Motions and staff presentation are posted at top of this page. The board were instructed that this was an update of process only; no motions or actions were to be taken. Questions were raised by commissioners (Greg Olson and Chris Meyer) to clarify the staff recommendations, such as if enough data had already been represented over the past years so an ordinance can be made and if an "interim" ordinance is required (versus regular ordinance). Two commissioners (Marcia Ward and Josh Elsing) still challenged the issue of puppy mills, suggesting there was not a problem and there was little resident support. Animal Folks and multiple residents testified before the board, asking the board to move forward now — and not wait yet another year to continue discussion and debate. Years have passed with this issue; time to act.
  Link to the staff recommendations: Commercial Dog Breeding Kennels Staff Presentation
  NOTE: Passing a local ordinance takes time. Once an ordinance draft is developed and agreed to by the board, there would need to be a public hearing, and then a board vote. The action to ban future permits for dog breeding facilities can be separate from the action to research and develop dog licensing and higher standards. NOTE:
  "Kennel" is defined in local law as "four or more dogs over four months of age kept for sale, breeding, profit, etc. for six or more months".
  
•  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (02-13-24): Held. The County Board in a split-decision voted to pursue a ban on future permits for dog breeding kennels and to create new rules (possibly new licensing) for the existing kennels. For the agenda and the county staff "options" for dog breeding facilities presented to the board, go to:
  www.co.winona.mn.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02132924-1025
  NOTE: The staff options did not include a "ban" as requested by the county board in past meetings and expressed by hundreds of residents. The board, however, did include it in their motion and vote.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (10-24-23): Held. On October 24, at the Committee of the Board (following the regular board meeting), the county board in a 3-2 vote agreed move forward and place the issue to ban future dog breeding permits on the next board meeting. Staff scheduled the discussion and vote months later on the January 9 meeting. Video of this October 24 discussion can be found at link below:
  YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWV7i2WaTfE
  NOTE: Staff has changed the meeting again; it is now scheduled for February 13.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (05/09/2023): Held. In a 3-1 vote, the County Board discussed and rejected the Planning Commission's recommendation to take "no action" in regard to the kennel ordinance and industrial dog breeding facilities. The board voted to continue discussion and define legal options for action. Commissioners Meyer, Olson, and Voegeli took the time to review all the materials and public testimony about these facilities provided by Animal Folks, residents, and other subject experts, explaining the mental and physical harm caused to dogs and puppies. For quotes by board members, read articles by Winona Post on the Media page. 
  THANK YOU to Board Commissioner Greg Olson, who made the motion to reject the Planning Commission's recommendation to take "no action;" Commissioner Dwayne Voegeli seconded; Commissioner Chris Meyer agreed and voted yes. Motion to continue discussion and take action about these kennels was passed.
  Thanks too to Bob Baker, Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, for testifying about USDA conduct; and to Dr. Franklin McMillan for his studies on puppy mill dogs and puppies and his testimony.​
  ​
• WINONA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING (04/20/23): This was a Planning Commission meeting; public comments were held for discussion of the dog breeding kennels. Two minutes were given per person; about 10 testifiers spoke, all providing evidence why these kennels and the industry cause harm to animals. Animal Folks submitted materials which were posted online for commissioners and the public to review.
  The Planning Commission (three members voted for action) voted to take no action. It appears certain commissioners relied solely on what the staff had presented in the previous meeting, believing all regulatory efforts were "wonderful." There was no discussion about the science of animal welfare or a review of information presented by the public and subject experts. It was stated by residents and other authorities that "no action" was expected by the Commission, due to the political viewpoints of the majority of commissioners. Their recommendation will be submitted to the county board who has the final decision in this matter.
  A LINK to the meeting agenda was posted by Winona County and is on their website. Some items submitted: 
  Pages 79-84: Questions and Answers
  Pages 85-87: Letters from New York and Florida (where puppies are sold) in opposition to kennels
  Pages 88-115: Scientific Studies of Breeding Dogs and Puppies; Dr. Frank McMillan
  Pages 116-129: USDA Enforcement Efforts  
  Pages 130-247: Research Document on Industrial Dog Breeding Facilities
  Pages 248-257: Two options and motion by Commission, choosing no further discussion and no action
  LINK to video (youtube) of meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXvgCAaHbQs
• MOTION: Staff provided the Planning Commission two options: 1) Pursue potential zoning ordinance amendments, which could also include a working session for discussion. or 2) Recommend to the county board that no action be taken to amend the zoning ordinance. The Commission chose not to schedule a working session for discussion.
  TEXT for OPTIONS AND MOTION provided by county staff to Planning Commission — prior to any comments by the public.
  ​The Planning Commission could have scheduled a working session or postponed any discussion until the next meeting, giving themselves time to review all the materials about the industrial dog breeding industry. It chose not to do so. In a vote of 3-6, commissioners voted to take no action. See news article:
• WINONA POST: Initial vote favors no action by Planning Commission
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING (03/16/23): Held. Staff presented similar documents (starting page 57 on attachment) that had also been given to the county board — without input from the public or subject experts. These materials showed a clear misunderstanding of the issue. Staff scheduled announced visits to some of the breeding kennels and presented their findings to the Commission (a few kennels would not allow staff to enter). No public comments were allowed at this meeting. Multiple residents have reached out to the county board to make sure the public is heard.
  ​NOTE: Staff documents focused on regulatory law and who is in charge of what, rather than the welfare of the dogs and why residents have expressed concerns. Staff included two powerpoints from the USDA and the Board of Animal Health, representing their perspectives. Staff also presented a document from the Assistant County Attorney, providing a biased analysis of the issue. The staff report ran counter to evidence provided by public comments and scientific studies for this issue. We reject the notion that delegating all animal welfare to the state and federal government will protect the welfare of animals in these breeding facilities. The welfare of animals is part of the public interest for Winona County.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (10/25/22): Held. The county board voted yes to move the discussion on industrial dog breeding kennels forward; delegated to the Planning Commissioner and to begin in February 2023. Public comments started shortly after 7pm with the dog breeding discussion later in meeting, listed as agenda item 6.1. See agenda. Attached to the agenda are recommendations by the county attorney's office. Commissioner Olson made the motion to move forward with discussion, stating," This was loud and clear. We heard from the public. It's democracy in action. This is about the dogs." Commissioner Marie Kovesci seconded the motion, followed by Commissioner Chris Meyer who too supported the motion. Commissioner Marcia Ward also voted yes; however, she explained that her yes vote was to prove to others how wonderful the breeders are. Commissioner Steve Jacob voted no and stated that the breeding facilities are in his district. He believes "they are good people and are doing a service for the community." (Some council members have changed due to the November 2022 election results.) 
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (09/27/22): Options for an interim ordinance (moratorium) and parameters for study of "dog breeding facilities" and permitting were to be presented for board approval and vote on this date. HOWEVER, issue was rescheduled to the October 25 board meeting.
  NOTE: In 2016, when this issue was initially discussed, similar actions were requested — i.e., an interim ordinance and study to better understand these breeding facilities and the risk to the animals. It was denied in a split vote (3-5). Attached is the proposed ordinance from 2016 that was prepared by the county attorney.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (08/23/22 ): First discussion of dog breeding facilities. County staff presented its report of permitted dog breeding facilities in Winona County at this meeting with input and statements made by Dr. Veronica Bartsch from the MN Board of Animal Health. Animal Folks with numerous residents and other experts testified about this issue. The Board agreed, through majority vote (Commissioners Olson, Kovecsi, and Meyer), to have the county attorney's office develop options on how best to proceed, legally, for a moratorium and also parameters of study.
  - COPY OF STAFF REPORT:  Commercial Dog Kennel Regulations within Winona County
  Note: Two powerpoints are attached to the report. One is from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), who enforces the Animal Welfare Act. One is from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH), who enforces the MN dog and cat breeder law. The powerpoints are misleading. Each lists requirements in a law; but equally important is how each law is actually enforced. How the USDA and the BAH interpret each law and how they enforce standards have been questioned and challenged legally for years. Merely delegating all animal welfare to the state or federal government, as the county staff has done, does not ensure the protection or safety of the dogs.
  - Example: The MN breeder law requires that all animals "must be provided daily enrichment and must be provided positive physical contact with human beings and compatible animals at least twice daily unless a veterinarian determines such activities would adversely affect the health or sell-being of the animal." How does the Board of Animal Health monitor and measure this so that the animals are mentally and behaviorally healthy? Animal Folks has asked for an answer to this question or a copy of the BAH's training; it has been denied.
  - Additional: For further review and details of federal and state licenses, see LICENSES.
  - TESTIMONY:
  Multiple residents testified against puppy mills and support of the dogs. Below is the testimony from 4 experts:
  - Ann Olson, executive director or Animal Folks
  - Dr. Franklin McMillan, veterinarian, specialist with animal behavior; published scientific papers on puppy mill dogs and textbook Mental Health and Well-being in Animals
  - Bob Baker, executive director of Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation; researcher of puppy mills for decades
  - Shanna Maus, dog director, Winona Area Humane Society
  - Rita Jessen, Winona resident
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (08/09/22): The Winona County Board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve that the issue of "dog breeding facilities" be officially placed on the board agenda for discussion.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (07/26/22): County Board Commissioner Greg Olson makes request to bring forward a discussion of "dog breeding facilities" in Winona County. Motion is seconded by Commissioner Marie Kovecsi. Request is scheduled to be voted on at August 9 meeting. Video of request and comments can be found at link (starting at 43.54): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHNyxfCrezE
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY STAFF (JULY 2022): Staff submits report to the county board that responds to board direction and questions submitted in September 2021. Staff requests that no discussion occur until the Planning Department director is back in the office.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (06/28/22): Animal Folks' Executive Director Ann Olson testified before the board to request that the "dog breeding facilities" issue be placed on the agenda for discussion.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (05/10/22): Winona County resident spoke before the county board and asked that the issue be placed on the agenda.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (04/26/22): Animal Folks' Executive Director Ann Olson and Winona County residents spoke before the county board and asked that the issue be placed on the agenda. Board member asked for the research requested of staff by the county board last September.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (09/14/21): On August 14, 2021, the Winona County met to discuss their dog breeding ordinance and related issues. A moratorium was brought up but, at this meeting, was not voted on yet. Multiple items were directed to the county staff to look into, including confirming what permitted breeders are required to have a state or federal license; review kennel regulations in neighboring counties; and explore further regulation with noise ordinances and ADA compliance. Animal Folks testified, providing further data on dog breeders and requesting a moratorium on further permits to allow for more thorough and deliberate discussion. 
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (08/24/21): On August 24, 2021, the topic to discuss dog breeder ordinances was agreed, by unanimous vote, to be placed on a future county board agenda (see above). Animal Folks testified and asked for a moratorium on permits for dog breeding operations so a study could be conducted to review county conditions, processes, and breeder compliances. Data was provided showing violations by breeders of permits and licenses. Commissioner Olson made the motion that the topic of dog breeding permits be placed on a future agenda.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (08/10/21): On August 10, 2021, after much discussion, the application for a dog breeding kennel by Erickson Shady Maple was denied (3-2 vote). Questions were raised by the board about compliance issues. Animal Folks testified in opposition to further permits. 
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (05/11/21): On May 11, 2021, the Winona County Board voted to approve a an interim use permit for a dog breeding operation for Elmer Yoder and Henry Yoder. The motion was made by Commissioner Steve Jacob and seconded by Commissioner Marcia Ward. It was a split vote with Commissioners Olson and Kovecsi voting against it. The Planning Commission recommended the IUP (see page 63) to the county board. The co-applicant Henry Yoder had received a CUP for a similar operation nearby in Utica Township.
  
  
• WINONA COUNTY BOARD MEETING (06/14/16): Board discusses temporary zoning ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on issuance of conditional use permits for new large-scale commercial dog breeding operations. Board denies ordinance in 3-2 vote.
  
  
• 2016 INTERIM DRAFT ORDINANCE: Draft created and approved by Winona County Attorney to impose a moratorium on large-scale commercial dog breeding operations. Link to 2016 agenda and draft ordinance.