Michigan Animal Advocates Descend on State Capitol for Humane Lobby Day

by Pamela Black · 2011-04-11 15:56:00 UTC
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Editor's Note: The Michigan Humane Lobby Day for April 13, 2011 has been cancelled due a conflicting event at the capitol. The new date will be noted in the comments when it's rescheduled. In the meantime, you can still take action to stand up for Michigan's animals.

For those of us Michiganders concerned about the progress of animal welfare legislation in the Great Lakes State, mark your calendars: Wednesday, April 13th is Michigan Humane Lobby Day. The day is an opportunity for residents to meet with their representatives to discuss animal welfare issues.

The Humane Society of the United States and Puppy Mill Awareness have organized the event to give animal advocates the rundown on pending legislation and tips on how to lobby for these causes. Humane legislation on topic for the day includes Class B dealers, gas chamber euthanasia and puppy mills.

Class B dealers make their money by obtaining dogs for minimal payment and reselling them to research. With overcrowding in shelters, some are allowing the transfer of pets to Class B dealers before the required hold period is up. Owners come to the shelter to reclaim their lost pet only to discover the shelter sold him to be a part of a research experiment.

Only two counties in Michigan still allow for Class B dealers: Mecosta and Gratiot counties. The other 81 Michigan counties have outlawed the sale of shelter pets for research. Sign the petition here on Change.org to ban Class B dealers in Mecosta county.

Legislation to end pound seizure through Class B dealers statewide did not pass the 2010 session. HSUS's Michigan members are not only working to reintroduce that bill for the 2011 session, but they are taking on gas chamber euthanasia as well.

Joining HSUS for the Humane Lobby Day is a Michigan citizen who has taken the initiative to fight for stronger laws regarding dog tethering. I brought you the story last month of her one-woman crusade to find a sponsor for a bill to get dogs off chains and into homes. She is an excellent example of how one person can make a difference.

If you are not attending the event, don’t let that stop you from becoming an animal advocate. Michiganders for Shelter Pets is a coalition of concerned citizens formed by a number of advocates including Jill Fritz, the HSUS Michigan State Director. You can join as a Citizen Advocate and learn more about their goals and how you can help to end pound seizure and gas chamber euthanasia in 2011.

While you're at it, contact your Representative or Senator and ask them to support humane legislation.

I am proud to be a Michigander for our tough animal cruelty laws and our position in the best 5 states for animal protection laws. But there is a lot of road to be covered to reach Number 1. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our animal friends.

Photo Credit: CedarBendDrive

Pamela Black has nearly a decade of experience with animal non-profit organizations and has a Masters' degree in Animals and Public Policy.

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