ST. PAUL — Minnesota animal lovers who back a bill to tighten state regulations for professional dog and cat breeders are rallying at the Capitol.

Today’s afternoon event is sponsored by a coalition of state humane societies and other groups that fight animal mistreatment. They’re backing a bill that would create a state regulatory process that its backers say would help prevent what are often called puppy or kitty mills.

The proposal would apply yearly inspections and some regulatory fees to operations with a certain number of breeding animals and yearly births. They say it would not be burdensome to reputable breeders, but some hobby breeders say it would make it tougher for smaller operations that aren’t primarily in it for the profit.

The bill has had one House hearing but still must pass numerous steps in the legislative process to advance.