Programs: Program 1: animal cruelty research goal: to research animal cruelty cases and issues pertaining to crimes against animals, and provide credible minnesota-specific data to the public, agencies, and organizations upon request. 2017 strategies and actions * data requests: federal - in 2017, animal folks continued to submit multiple data requests to the u. S. Department of agriculture (usda) for information related to licensing violations of the animal welfare act. Due to the usda removing animal welfare documents from its website, we have increased our individual foia requests in an attempt to obtain data that was previously online. Unfortunately, the usda is now redacting all data from requests, requiring additional actions. See lawsuit filed. * data requests: state and local - animal folks filed data requests with local law enforcement agencies. Data collected is used to support cruelty complaints and to supplement training of authorities, providing examples of cruelty cases and violations of law. As the mn board of animal health is now denying data requests for certificates of veterinary inspections (cvis), animal folks obtained cvis from other states to track and monitor sales of animals across state lines. * animal cruelty databank - during 2017, animal folks continued its study of animal cruelty cases (statewide) in all 87 minnesota counties from 2008-2013. By the end of 2017, all cases (over 1,000) for this time period had been collected and coded with pro bono assistance from attorneys and volunteers at 3m. The next phase of quality assurance has been started. * general animal cruelty - animal folks continues to gather data on animal cruelty issues pertaining to all species and types of crimes. This research is used to generate awareness about general animal cruelty and lay a foundation for programs to support our mission.
program 2: criminal and civil justice goal: to investigate and report suspected or known animal cruelty (or related crimes against animals) and provide input to criminal and civil cases throughout the legal process. 2017 strategies and actions * lawsuit against usda - animal folks is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the animal legal defense fund (aldf) against the united states department of agriculture (usda). This lawsuit was filed to get the usda to restore the usda animal welfare documents online for public viewing, which had been removed. Animal folks used these documents to monitor the actions of licensees and file civil and cruelty complaints, where needed. * lawsuit against board of animal health - animal folks, in conjunction with the animal humane society and two taxpayers, sued the mn board of animal health (bah) for violation of the commercial breeders licensing and enforcement law by granting a state license to a commercial dog breeder convicted of cruelty against animals. In 2012 and 2013, animal folks had filed multiple complaints against this dog breeder which resulted in a cruelty conviction and seizure of all animals. Granting a license allowed this breeder to continue its operations. * fulfill citizen requests - animal folks provided guidance to citizens who request help in filing complaints pertaining to suspected animal cruelty or understanding mn consumer protection laws after purchasing sickly dogs from pet stores or commercial breeders. * investigative support - animal folks acts as a resource on mn animal law by submitting letters and speaking with law enforcement in regard to selected cruelty cases.
program 3: animal law resources goal: to foster professionalism and competency by providing training, resources, and support to minnesota authorities responsible for the enforcement of animal law. 2017 strategies and actions * animal cruelty training for law enforcement - in december 2017 and in cooperation with peace officers and other authorities, animal folks held training on animal cruelty and investigation techniques for the oakdale police department and statewide animal control officers and community service officers. This training was a pilot program and will be used to execute other training sessions in the state. * animal cruelty training for veterinarians - in february 2017, animal folks partnered with the minnesota veterinary medical association (mvma) to host a training session at the mvma annual meeting. Over 100 veterinarians and vet technicians attended the full day session, which included topics on minnesota animal law and protocols for identifying, documenting, and reporting animal cruelty. A mock trial was also held. Animal folks organized the training, bringing in local and national speakers to present. * veterinary manual for reporting animal cruelty: oklahoma and massachusetts - animal folks worked with local and national experts to develop a manual entitled "reporting animal cruelty: role of veterinarian: establishing protocols to identify and report suspected animal cruelty in minnesota. " the purpose of the manual is to assist veterinarians in how to identify, document, and report suspected or known animal cruelty. Multiple states have asked animal folks to adapt the manual for their state. In 2017, animal folks worked with organizations in oklahoma and massachusetts to adapt the manual to reflect the laws in their states.
program 4: legislative action goal: to lead and support state and local legislative efforts, including crafting of humane laws, lobbying, and advocacy, that protects animals and lays a foundation for systemic reform. Lobbying efforts conducted through animal folks mn, 501c4. 2017 strategies and actions * veterinary immunity bill - animal folks compiled information to support the introduction of a bill (hf 787/sf 1167) in 2017 at the mn legislature to grant civil immunity to mn-licensed veterinarians for good faith reporting of animal cruelty. (mn veterinarians are mandated reporters of animal cruelty. ) the bill passed through the civil justice committees in the house and senate and will continue in the 2018 legislative session. * humane pet store ordinance - animal folks compiled a report documenting the link between dogs and cats sold through pet stores and obtained from commercial breeders/brokers (the "pipeline"). This report, with testimony, was submitted to the roseville city council to support actions to pass a humane pet store ordinance. The ordinance was passed, making it the first "humane pet store ordinance" in minnesota.
program 5: outreach & communication goal: to educate the public on animal law and cruelty issues, and enhance communication and cooperation between various stakeholders involved in the enforcement of animal law. 2017 strategies and actions * federal input: usda - at various times, the usda requests public input on matters relating to the animal welfare act (awa) and other federal laws and regulations. In august 2017, input was requested by the usda on awa regulatory changes. Animal folks submitted formal comments, citing 15 specific items requiring change or support with an emphasis on improved processes for confiscation of animals at risk. * community events - to create awareness and educate the community about animal cruelty, animal folks with our sister organization, animal folks minnesota, hosts booths at community events throughout minnesota. In 2017, animal folks and afmn attended 7 events and gather over 1,000 new supporters through petitions. * outreach - to collaborate and build relationships to support our mission, animal folks attends local and national conferences on animal law, animal forensics, and animal cruelty.
