The Michigan Legislature was on spring break last month and our sources told us that there would be some pro-animal bills introduced upon their return. The first three months of the legislative session saw animal advocates playing defense, particularly bills or resolutions that sought to expand hunting (wolves and Sandhill cranes).
This month has seen the following positive developments:
- HB 4703, 4704 address much-needed reform and clarity to the system dealing with animals who are seized in criminal investigations, the owner’s responsibility to pay for costs of care during pendency of the case (which fall on municipal or nonprofit shelters); and to the process whereby a defendant can “forfeit” ownership of the animal.
- HB 4723 is a simple, straightforward bill that has both symbolic and practical value. It reads in full: “The shelter pet is designated as the official pet of this state.” It was introduced by Rep. Padma Kuppa, who will talk about the bill on Lunch + Legislation, on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 12 to 12:15PM, on Facebook Live.
- HB 4726, the veterinarian mobility law, would authorize vets, vet techs to practice in MI for up to 90 days in case of emergencies or to respond to large scale animal cruelty cases.
- SB 395 begins to address the perennial issue of dogs left outside in cold weather. It was introduced by Sen. Polehanki in response to a case this past winter in her district, where three beagles were kept outside in extreme cold, and local officials said they could do nothing under state law. Note: contact your elected official if you want to see a change in the law! A House bill is expected to be introduced the week of May 3 addressing the same issue.
- HB 4256 got a hearing in the Regulatory Reform Committee this month, and is scheduled for a vote at the next meeting. This is Rep. Brann’s bill that updates and modernizes requirements for service dogs in public accomodations. We support the bill and offered testimony.
Unfortunately, however, at the end of the month the horse racing industry apologists in the legislature introduced a package of bills designed to prop up a dying (and cruel) industry. Introduced on April 28, the bills were not even publicly available when they were set for a hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee the next day, April 29. Nonetheless the Attorneys for Animals board stepped up, reviewed the proposals and voted to oppose. AFA submitted written testimony and asked to testify virtually. Although at least 4 industry representatives testified via zoom, AFA was not accorded that priviledge. No vote was taken and we expect another hearing in two weeks. We will follow up with another request to testify. Read our testimony in opposition to SBs 396 through 399.