Chief: Minnetonka Hobby Breeder Ordinance Increases Oversight

Minnetonka Police Chief Mark Raquet said Minnetonka’s proposed “hobby breeder” ordinance aims to bring greater oversight of breeders, not open the door for abandoned animals.

Raquet said the proposal came about when officers accidentally discovered a hobby breeder after neighbors complained about dog noises. Because of that, the department realized there are more people breeding animals than it knew about.

The hobby breeder ordinance would allow officers to better monitor that activity, he said. The city would ensure animals had sufficient food, shelter and vet care—and inspect the properties.

“If we don’t know about it, there’s nothing we can do about it,” Raquet said.

But the chief doesn’t expect large numbers of new breeders: “I don’t think Minnetonka has the population that’s going to do that.”

The City Council introduced the ordinance July 15. It will take action on the proposal at the ordinance’s second reading.