For years, Animal Justice has worked with Save A Dog Network and other rescue groups in Manitoba to urge the province to clamp down on puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. We are finally seeing progress! Bill 19 was recently introduced to amend The Animal Care Act to require licensing for those who sell or give away “pet animals.”
Irresponsible breeders cause unimaginable suffering. They often confine animals in filthy, crowded conditions. This neglect also contributes to the dog overpopulation crisis across the province. Although Manitoba has had a breeder licensing program on the books for years, the government has not enforced that law since 2013. Breeders of puppies, snakes, and ferrets have been left to operate with virtually no oversight. As a result, many animals continue to suffer in miserable conditions.
Bill 19 Manitoba: A Promising Step Forward
This month, the Manitoba government introduced Bill 19. This bill would amend The Animal Care Act to require licensing for anyone who sells or gives away “pet animals.” If the province implements it effectively, the law could help address irresponsible breeding. It could also protect animals from neglect and exploitation.
However, the bill also repeals the current breeder licensing regime, which has existed for years without enforcement. While repealing it is a concern, the new amendments could still help if the province develops and enforces them effectively. After all, most people breed companion animals to sell them for profit.
Strengthening Protections for Animals
Bill 19 is a promising start, but the government must do more to ensure real protection. We need strong standards to ensure breeders provide adequate care, housing, socialization, and veterinary care. Furthermore, the licensing regime must be transparent and allow authorities to inspect facilities proactively. In addition to dogs, these requirements should apply to other companion animals at risk from poor breeding practices.
Canada’s Largest Ferret Breeding Mill
Manitoba is home to the largest ferret breeding mill in Canada. Located in Melita, Manitoba, the facility confines hundreds of intelligent, social ferrets in barren wire cages. Footage obtained by Animal Justice reveals that these animals are exposed to extreme weather in filthy sheds. In some cases, raccoons even enter the sheds and kill the ferrets, ripping the legs off of babies. The owner built a makeshift gas chamber to kill ferrets no longer used for breeding.
Since Animal Justice exposed these conditions in 2025, rescue groups have saved dozens of animals. However, the breeder still operates today. He continues to sell ferrets on websites like Kijiji and ships them overseas. Proactive inspections and a strong licensing regime could have prevented this suffering. The heartbreaking conditions at this facility show why Manitoba needs better oversight. When governments allow breeders to operate unchecked, animals pay the price.
A Robust Licensing Regime is Needed
Bill 19 offers Manitoba an opportunity to fix a long-standing gap in animal protection. For the first time in years, there is movement toward holding commercial breeders accountable. As the bill moves through the legislature, and the province develops regulations to support the new law, Animal Justice will work to ensure the new system is robust and results in meaningful improvements for animals.
A strong regime should include:
- Clear, enforceable standards for animal welfare;
- Regular and transparent inspections;
- Strong tools to shut down irresponsible breeders and hold them to account;
- Rules for breeders who sell animals out of province; and
- Protection for all companion animals, not just dogs.
Take Action for Animals in Manitoba
Manitoba has allowed breeders to operate without oversight for over a decade. This gap has allowed puppy mills and other irresponsible animal breeders to flourish. Meanwhile, local shelters and rescue groups struggle to keep up with the number of animals in need.
Please take a moment to congratulate the province on introducing Bill 19. Urge them to ensure the new law provides strong, lasting protections for all companion animals in Manitoba.
