This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to prohibit pet shops from selling cats and dogs, while allowing them to provide space for nonprofit organizations to offer animals for adoption. Key provisions include the definition of a "pet shop," which is specified as a physical retail store selling animals, and the introduction of a new section (325F.7915) that outlines the restrictions on pet shops regarding the sale and transfer of animals. Pet shops that have been in operation for at least one year prior to the bill's effective date may continue to sell animals, provided they source them from licensed breeders and disclose the breeder's license number in advertisements.

Additionally, the bill establishes civil penalties for pet dealers who fail to comply with disclosure requirements and other regulations, with fines of up to $1,000 per violation. It also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the bill is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still be enforceable. The effective date for all provisions is set for August 1, 2026, applying to actions committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 325F.79, 325F.791, 325F.792