Michigan: Strengthen pet store and animal cruelty laws

The Issue

Two bills are on the House floor that would increase penalties for chronic violations of Michigan’s law governing the treatment of animals in pet stores.

In 2012, more than a hundred animals -- including dogs, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, frogs, snakes, lizards, chinchillas, and mice -- were seized from deplorable conditions in a Dearborn Heights pet store, but our state’s “Pet Shops, Dog Pounds, and Animal Shelters” law has only misdemeanor penalties for such neglect and does not address repeat offenders. This legislation increases jail time and fines for those who have been convicted for five or more violations of the pet store law. The bills also increase penalties for deliberate cruelty to companion animals, for the neglect of large numbers of animals, and for domestic violence crimes that cause serious psychological injury to the owner of a companion animal.

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The Humane Society of The United StatesPetition StarterA a Client Manager, Adelaide works with a wide diversity of organizations to help them find and connect with high quality, new supporters through Change.org sponsored campaigns. Before joining Change.org, Adelaide worked in development for Refugees International, an advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.
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This petition had 4,782 supporters

The Issue

Two bills are on the House floor that would increase penalties for chronic violations of Michigan’s law governing the treatment of animals in pet stores.

In 2012, more than a hundred animals -- including dogs, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, frogs, snakes, lizards, chinchillas, and mice -- were seized from deplorable conditions in a Dearborn Heights pet store, but our state’s “Pet Shops, Dog Pounds, and Animal Shelters” law has only misdemeanor penalties for such neglect and does not address repeat offenders. This legislation increases jail time and fines for those who have been convicted for five or more violations of the pet store law. The bills also increase penalties for deliberate cruelty to companion animals, for the neglect of large numbers of animals, and for domestic violence crimes that cause serious psychological injury to the owner of a companion animal.

TAKE ACTION by signing the petition!

avatar of the starter
The Humane Society of The United StatesPetition StarterA a Client Manager, Adelaide works with a wide diversity of organizations to help them find and connect with high quality, new supporters through Change.org sponsored campaigns. Before joining Change.org, Adelaide worked in development for Refugees International, an advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.
Media inquiries

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Petition created on September 9, 2014