Last week, state Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) re-introduced a bill to support the adoption of shelter animals by designating the shelter pet as the official state pet of Michigan. The bill was read-in on the floor today as House Bill 4723.
The idea originated from a group of middle school students in the district, who researched the idea and advocated for it with Rep. Kuppa, who serves as their state representative.
“This legislation would draw attention to the animal inhabitants of Michigan’s shelters and to the goal of finding their forever homes,” said Rep. Kuppa. “My office has been having discussions with both the national and state branches of the Humane Society to recruit a bipartisan group of co-sponsors ahead of the bill’s introduction, and I look forward to our continued joint efforts to move this bill toward its passage.”
According to the Shelter Animals Count national database, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. HB 4723 has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
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