We are just now, at the end of the first week of January 2019, catching our breath from the frenetic and consequential “lame duck” session of the Michigan Legislature. The 2019-20 session will begin on January 9, 2019.
Before we launch into a new session, we’ll take a look at some of the high- (or low-) lights of the last two years. Scroll down to see the final Legislative Tracker.
“A big victory was the veto of the “Puppy Mill” bills. Animal advocates united in opposition…”
- Companion animals fared reasonably well
- A big victory was the veto of HBs 5916 and 5917, the “Puppy Mill” or “Petland” bills. Animal advocates united in opposition, conducting a well-coordinated and relentless campaign, never giving up even as the bill reached the governor’s desk in late December. A last-minute meeting with the governor’s aide capped a 6+ month period of strategic planning and action.
- Michigan’s animal crimes laws were strengthened when HBs 4332 and 4333 became law, after similar efforts in the previous session had been unsuccessful.
- Animals rescued from fighting operations will now have a fighting chance at a new life, thanks to the passage of SB 416 which allows individual assessment and potential adoption of these animals.
- Wildlife and captive wildlife…not so much
- According to script, many legislators automatically support the state’s hunting “tradition”, despite — or perhaps because of — its declining numbers and shrinking demographic.
- Unfortunately, urban deer were an easy target (pun intended) and the legislature took aim at another favorite target, Ann Arborites, in one punitive, anti-science bill (HB 5321) that prevents additional deer sterilization programs, requires DNR to make recommendations after review of the one existing program in the state (in Ann Arbor), likely with a pre-ordained outcome which will be negative; and makes it easier for local governments to kill more deer and waive the requirement that prevents firearms from being discharged less than 150′ from an occupied building.
- Adopted resolutions recommending hunting Sandhill cranes (HR 154); and supporting the right to hunt (SR 179), although resolutions declaring hunting a constitutional right and calling on Congress to de-list gray wolves were not passed.
- Even targeted frogs, allowing them to be speared using artificial lights and during breeding season.
- Captive wildlife was also in legislators’ sites, with bills allowing more zoos to breed large carnivores (HB 5778); and one UP business to breed up to 4 black bear sows annually, as part of its petting zoo/bear cub photography offerings (HB 6050). Both bills establish regulatory schemes which advocates claim are hollow, shallow and unenforceable.
- According to script, many legislators automatically support the state’s hunting “tradition”, despite — or perhaps because of — its declining numbers and shrinking demographic.
- Animal agriculture saw two bills vetoed which had some positives, and likely will be recycled this legislative session. The overhaul of the Animal Industry Act, HB 6205, was drafted without input from animal advocates. The extension of time for egg producers to comply with enhanced animal welfare standards (S 660) drew support from pro animal organizations, including Attorneys for Animals.
“We dodged the bullet on some bad policy; and missed opportunities on some good”
- We dodged the bullet on some bad policy; and missed opportunities on some good:
- Dodged bullets as the following did not pass: preventing DNR from “managing” wolves (HB 5441); exceptionally punitive regulation of false claims of service/support animals (S 663); a proposal to do away with dog licenses (HB 6297)
- Missed opportunities to ban BSL (SB 741); fix the issues with the Dangerous Dog statutes (SB 1227 and others); allow appointment of advocate to represent the interests of an animal involved in litigation (HB 6029); ban private ownership of primates (HB 6232); institute cross reporting among animal control and child protective workers (HBs 4441, 42, 43); leaving animals unattended in vehicles (HBs 5063, 6298)
- In Congress, the big news was the Farm Bill, which included pro-animal provisions increasing attention and resources to animal victims of domestic violence (PAWS Act); closing a loophole by extending animal fighting prohibitions to US territories (PACE Act); and the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act. Importantly, the dangerous King Amendment was defeated.
The 2019-2020 Michigan Legislative Session begins January 9, 2019; and the 116th Congress already has begun. We'll be following them, and provide periodic updates on this website and on social media. Fasten your seat belts!
