In March 2009, Koda’s Bill was introduced in the Michigan House. Listed as H.B. 4663, this amendment to Michigan state law 1969 PA 224 will change the way Class B dealers obtain dogs and cats from shelters that they sell for research experiments.

Currently, pets obtained by Class B dealers are through random sources. This includes animals that are stolen or lost pets, from “free to good home” ads and from animal shelters. The sources are not informed that the animals are being sold to be a part of research experiments.

The language of Koda’s Bill gives much needed regulations in Michigan to an industry that on a national level turns over 3,000 dogs and cats from pets into research animals per year.

The Michigan House passed H.B. 4663 July 28, 2010. As written, animals that come into the shelter as strays are not eligible to be sold for research experiments. Owner surrendered pets can only be sold for research if the relinquishing owner signs an agreement stating they authorize their pet to be sold for research.

H.B. 4663 is now before the Michigan Senate. The bill was stalled through the November elections but should have been taken up after that time. The Michigan Senate, especially the committee under which the bill sits, needs to get back to work passing this important piece of legislation.

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