LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.

UPDATE: The Winona County Board meeting was held May 9 at 9am. The issue of industrial dog breeding facilities (puppy mills) in Winona County was on the agenda. The board discussed the Planning Commission's recommendation to take "no action." The county board in a 3-1 vote rejected the Planning Commission's recommendation of no action and instead voted to move forward with this issue, directing staff to look further at the issue and legal options for board action. A possible ban of future permits was also discussed.
THANK YOU: Board Commissioner Greg Olson 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 and the kennel ordinance was passed.

Scroll below under meetings for further commentary. For news articles about the board meetings, go to Media.

NEXT STEP: Be persistent. Continue to speak up. Send a thank you to Commissioners Olson, Meyer, and Voegeli for their understanding of this issue and willingness to take further action.
​Note: In 2016, Commissioner Greg Olson voted no to grant permits to 6 dog breeding facilities; the board at that time granted the permits in a 3-2 vote. Olson understood then as now the harm these facilities cause to dogs and puppies. Commissioners Meyer and Voegeli were not on the board at that time; this shows the importance of elections.

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

• DISCUSSION — Purpose of continued discussion is for the county to better understand industrial dog breeding facilities and their impact on the welfare of dogs; and to assess the county's current kennel ordinance, permits, and compliance measures for these facilities. Legal options for action must be defined — to support public's interest in this issue.

• PARTICIPANTS — A possible working session was mentioned at the County Board meeting on May 9. (The Planning Commission had rejected any working sessions.) The public and subject experts must be present to provide information on canine health and well-being. We believe all voices must be heard, not just government personnel or those who make money off of the dogs.

• DECISIONS — It is hoped that this discussion will better inform the county about its role in the mass production of puppies and guide decisions for: 1) a ban on future permits for large-scale dog breeding facilities in Winona County; and 2) how to better protect animals currently confined in facilities already permitted. (There are 12 large-scale dog breeding operations already operating with local permits in Winona County.)

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 facilities. A full review of county permits, conditions, and compliance measures should be considered. This is a priority to me and I ask that the county board and staff make it a priority too."

Animal Folks will submit your name and information to the Winona County Commissioners. We need your address to find 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. 

On May 9 the county board (in a 3-1 vote) rejected the Planning Commission's recommendation of "no action" and instead voted to proceed with further discussion and actions on large-scale dog breeding facilities (puppy mills). Commissioners Meyer, Olson, and Voegeli voted to move this issue forward. Send a thank you to these three commissioners for their willingness to listen and learn about puppy mills and to take action. Emails are at link to right. There will be more meetings and public hearings. Further decisions will be posted on this website.

Commissioner Ward dissented. 

County commissioners:
District 1 - Chris M. Meyer
District 2 - Dwayne A. Voegeli
District 3 - Vacant Seat
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: CountyBoard@co.winona.mn.us
• 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 and building support. Please consider:

• 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)
  
  
• Print petition. Download copy of petition and flyer. Make copies and give to family, friends, and colleagues. Send completed petitions to: Animal Folks, 1041 Grand Ave #115, St. Paul, MN 55105 or email info@animalfolks.org.
  
  
• Help with door-knocking. Join us by going door to door in Winona County neighborhoods to gain support. To help, email: info@animalfolks.org.

​

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 (05/09/2023): Held. 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. As noted above, 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. 
  Thanks again 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.
  LINK to meeting agenda:  https://www.co.winona.mn.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04202023-928
  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 with two articles
  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 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 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. First discussion to be held 09/14/21. 
  
  
• 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.