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Welcome to the Michigan Humane Society’s Legislative Action Alert for April 2008! Do you think perpetrators of animal cruelty deserve stricter penalties? Would you like to see breeders and pet dealers held accountable for the sale of sick animals? If so, consider supporting the legislation below.

For a complete list of animal welfare-related bills that are on the agenda for this Legislative session, visit us at www.michiganhumane.org/legislation. With your help we can strengthen our animal protection laws and make Michigan a safer place for animals.

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Bills to Support

Consecutive Sentencing for Animal Cruelty Offenders (HB 4552, Rep. Byrnes): SUPPORT
HB 4552 would permit consecutive sentencing for felony-level animal cruelty cases. Under the current law, an individual who tortures one animal may receive the same jail time as an individual who tortures twenty. This legislation gives judges the option to order defendants to serve their sentences consecutively, which may result in longer sentences for those individuals who torture and torment multiple animals.
Current Status: Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

How You Can Help: In order to pass, this bill must first be voted out of committee. If your State Senator is one of the following Senate Judiciary Committee members, please call or write their office today and ask him or her to support consecutive sentencing for felony-level offenders.

Senator Kuipers, Chair
Senator Cropsey, Vice Chair
Senator Sanborn
Senator Patterson
Senator Whitmore, Minority Vice Chair
Senator Clarke
Senator Prusi

Animal Lemon Laws (HB 5738, Rep. Bieda): SUPPORT
HB 5738 would establish certain regulations for breeders, pet shops and pet dealers regarding the sale of sick animals. Under certain circumstances, pet owners who purchase an animal from one of these sources would be able to collect reimbursement for medical bills, or would be entitled to a refund or exchange when an animal has become ill. The Michigan Humane Society supports this legislation because those who breed companion animals should be encouraged to do so responsibly.
Current Status: Referred to the Senate Regulatory Committee.

Grassroots Lobbying Tip of the Month
Michigan’s Anti-Cruelty law, MCL 750.50 is about to undergo several changes that will increase protection for Michigan animals. Visit http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-50 to learn about what has changed.