Today we welcomed Blake Goodman, the Humane Society of the United States Michigan State Director. He talked about his role both as promoting legislation in Lansing and working with groups and individuals in the state who are doing direct animal care work. Watch the full interview.
I think we have an opportunity with our legislators … to be able to engage them and educate them in a really serious way. We have people who have worked their whole careers in [animal welfare. I can] take their experiences and put them front and center in front of legislators who are willing to listen and learn.
Blake Goodman, Lunch + Legislation, Oct. 2, 2023
Blake highlighted several bills/proposed bills and regulatory actions HSUS is working on:
- H.B. 4838, the Puppy Protection Act, that would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores.
- S.B. “Teddy’s Bill” which has passed the Senate and had a hearing in the House last week, which produced much interesting testimony and questioning by the Representatives.
- Expect legislation to be introduced:
- To protect wolves if/when they are de-listed federally
- To prevent cub petting activities
- Looking ahead, the cage-free regulations that implement the law passed several years ago are being negotiated with MDARD, and the goal is to get the strongest possible regs
The likelihood is there’s going to be a wolf hunt if we don’t take action in Michigan … The legislature needs to reclaim its independent authority to set game species…
Blake Goodman, Lunch + Legislation, Oct. 2, 2023