Michigan Puppy Mill Legislation Very Proactive ....

Legislation  Changing laws is not easy work. We need you!  Puppy Mill Awareness members lobby for stronger laws year round. There are plenty of opportunities to join us as an organization and individually on your own to help pass legislation to protect animals. We host Michigan’s Humane Lobby Day with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the ASPCA every spring. A lobby day gives us a chance to teach you how to be a citizen lobbyist and allows members to meet directly with their law makers. Some members travel to D.C. mid summer for the HSUS Taking Action For Animals Conference to help pass federal legislation. In 2012, we held a Pups Parade at the Capital to promote the Puppy Protection Act and were introduced to the House of Representatives. Lastly, we hold Lobby 101 and Effective Animal Advocacy Workshops in conjunction with the HSUS across the state throughout the year.  Members are encouraged to 1) learn about the pending state and federal legislation using our Fact Sheets, 2) find their state and federal legislators, 3) write, call and meet with their representatives directly. Many state representatives have district hours so there are convenient locations and hours to lobby nearby. Start Today: Find your State Representative Find your State Senator Find your Federal Lawmakers Michigan Legislation For the 2013-2014 legislative session we are supporting the following bills.  SB  560 Large-Scale Breeder Bill This bill would require large-scale dog breeders to register with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and follow new guidelines to help ensure the humane treatment of the dogs and puppies in their facilities. Ask your legislator to vote YES on this bill  View the Fact Sheet and Bill. SB 117/118 “Puppy Protection Act”  This bill would regulate large-scale breeders, enact standards of care and limit the number of breeding dogs. Reintroduced from last year when the bill did not get out of Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator Hune (R-Pinckney) is the Chairman of this committee. Supported by: Michigan Humane Society, Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers, Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance.  Action needed:  Ask your legislator to vote YES on this bill  View the Fact Sheet and Lobby Day Presentation.  Pet Lemon Law This bill will offer consumer protections for purchasers of dogs and cats. Pending reintroduction in May 2013 by Senator Bieda (D-Warren)  View the Fact Sheet and Lobby Day Presentation.  SB 285/286 Tougher Penalties for Pet Stores and Breeders  This bill would strengthen current animal cruelty laws to facilitate prosecution of animal crimes involving large numbers of animals. Defines “breeder” and “pet store”. Requested by Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. Introduced 3/21/13 by Senator Steven Bieda (D-Warren)  Action needed: Ask your legislator to vote YES on this bill   View the Fact Sheet.  HB 4535 “Logan’s Law”  This bill would establish an Animal Abuse Registry requiring people convicted of animal abuse to submit their address, photograph, and social security number to local law enforcement and prescribes penalties.  Action needed:  Ask your legislator to vote YES on this bill.  View more information here  For more animals related legislation, visit the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance and Michigan Humane Society ‘s websites.  Petitions • The MI State Senate: Pass “Lemon Law” To Protect Michigan Pet Buyers • Michigan State House and Senate: Properly Regulate Commercial Breeding and Puppy Mills