LANSING, Mich., Oct. 2, 2024 — State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), alongside state Reps. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) and Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), have introduced legislation to protect animals from abuse. House Bills 6015-17 would fix a loophole that has prevented local agencies from being able to rescue animals kept in harsh weather conditions and without access to adequate shelter. This is in part due to the law’s lack of a coat length or dog breed specification to determine whether the animal has received adequate shelter requirements.
“As a society, we have come a long way in protecting animals, and specifically our pets, from abuse or mistreatment. Despite that progress, current Michigan law allows abusive or neglectful owners to keep their pets even if they are not properly protected from harsh weather conditions,” Tsernoglou said. “This legislation would alter the definition of shelter to ensure animals have the adequate protection they deserve. Pet ownership is a privilege — not a right — and we must ensure that animals across Michigan are placed in safe, loving homes that fit their needs.”
This legislation would ensure that the thickness and length of an animal’s fur is considered as a determining factor in whether or not their shelter is adequate, while also clarifying what constitutes proper and adequate shelter for a pet. The bills would also provide exemptions for certain breeds that are able to handle harsh conditions.
“The time to act to protect our pets is now,” Tsernoglou said. “As winter approaches, we need to do all that we can to ensure they are protected from the elements and have adequate shelter.”
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