Animal Folks

We're on a Mission:

The mission of Animal Folks is to protect animals and prevent cruelty through constructive and sustainable reforms of the Minnesota criminal and civil justice systems.

Core to this mission is system reform — to assess what is needed systemically to improve the enforcement of animal law and prevention of animal cruelty in Minnesota.

Thank YOU for donating to Animal Folks. Every dollar you give helps aid in the fight against animal cruelty.

Current Projects

Minnesota Office of Animal Protection

Animal Folks is excited to announce that the Minnesota Office of Animal Protection bill (S.F. 3542 / H.F. 3799) was introduced at the MN Legislature last session. This bill will establish an Office of Animal Protection under the Department of Public Safety and will assist local, state, Tribal, and federal authorities in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of animal cruelty. 

Learn more at www.mnoap.org

Minnesota Companion Animal Board Bill

The Companion Animal Board bill (S.F. 1136 / H.F. 1168) will create a state board dedicated to companion animal (pet) welfare issues and those who care for these animals. (Currently, Minnesota directs pet issues to an agricultural state agency led by livestock producers.) The Companion Animal Board will provide a specific mission and expertise in pet welfare. 

Learn more at www.mncab.org

Winona County Puppy Mills - Action

Winona County is known as the “puppy mill capitol” of Minnesota due to the concentration of industrial dog breeding facilities (puppy mills) and the number of facility permits granted by the county. Animal Folks, with numerous residents, have testified before the Winona County Board asking the board to support a ban on any future permits of these facilities in the county. The last public hearing was held on October 17, 2024. 

Learn more at www.speakupwinonacounty.org

Anti-Cruelty Training for University of Minnesota Veterinary Students

Veterinarians play a crucial role in identifying and reporting suspected animal cruelty. Our anti-cruelty curriculum includes a presentation on animal cruelty and documenting findings, including case studies for group discussion and building critical-thinking skills. Each student receives a copy of our manual, Reporting Animal Cruelty: The Role of the Veterinarian, as a resource. 

Learn more at www.animalfolksmn.org/training-veterinarians

Model Policies and Materials for Law Enforcement Agencies 

Animal Folks works with experts in the criminal justice system to create Minnesota-specific policy and procedure guides to be used by law enforcement in animal cruelty cases. This work also includes “FAQ sheets” that explain specific animal law topics, such as forensic necropsies, dogs in hot cars, and investigative techniques for animals. 

Learn more at www.animalfolksmn.org/training-forms

Animal Cruelty Chapter for the Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook

The Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook provides judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys with information on Minnesota criminal laws. Animal Folks convened a team of legal experts to write the first “animal cruelty” chapter, covering Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343 (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and related criminal laws, case law, and issues. The Benchbook is published by the Minnesota Continuing Legal Education (Minn CLE). 

Learn more at www.animalfolksmn.org/mn-judges-criminal-benchbook

Achieving Systemic Reform: Our Five Core Programs 

Animal Cruelty Research

Collect data on animal cruelty issues and cases, and define problems associated with animal neglect and cruelty in Minnesota. Animal Folks has compiled a comprehensive Databank of over 1,000 animal cruelty cases specific to Minnesota.

Civil and Criminal Justice Program

File civil and criminal (cruelty) complaints at local, state, and federal levels and build relationships with local and state authorities throughout Minnesota. Filing complaints protects animals and people and allows us to "see" what is and is not working with the enforcement of animal law.

Animal Law Resources

Develop training programs, processes, forms and other resources for use by authorities in the investigation and enforcement of animal law. 

Legislative Action (Lobbying and Advocacy)

Write and support state and local laws that provide humane treatment of animals.  

Outreach and Education

Provide information and education about animal cruelty and actions through websites, literature, and booths at events.

Be Part Of the Solution: We Need Your Support! 

By developing long-term solutions for animal protection, we can create a just world for animals...but our work isn't possible without your help.

Your gift will help Minnesota become a recognized leader in animal protection, care, and welfare. Thank you so much for your support and generosity. You make our work possible!

Animal Folks is proud to be a Charities Review Council Meets Standards organization and a Gold GuideStar participant.