SB 174 takes on an important and controversial topic in Michigan animal welfare and advocacy circles. Currently, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regulates “brick and mortar” shelters, and has developed some standards. These shelters are required to register with the agency and are subject to inspection and enforcement.
Animal rescues, on the other hand, rely on a network of foster care providers who care for animals in their own homes. There is no regulation of them. This bill aims to fill that void.
No one knows how many rescues there are in Michigan. We are confident that the great majority of them are reputable. Rescues are a necessary component of the state’s efforts to rescue, care, shelter and re-home companion animals.
We agree it’s time to regulate rescues. AFA’s focus always is on the animals. Our testimony at today’s Senate Agriculture Committee hearing recommends changes to the bill to make it stronger and, ultimately, more effective at providing care and permanent homes to companion animals while ensuring their welfare.
“Animal welfare is always the primary concern of AFA’s board in assessing proposed legislation. However, we believe that this bill as written is over-reaching and has the potential of negatively impacting the number of companion animals who are rescued, cared for, and re-homed in this state”
