January 27, 2022
Paws Up!
To Michigan Representatives Brann, Whitsett, Aiyash, Marino, Wozniak, Rogers, Sowerby and Mueller for advocating for the protection of animals who live outdoors with the introduction of House Bill 4784.
If you live in parts of the country where you have experienced frigid temperatures, you know the dangers of being out in these conditions for too long−hypothermia and frostbite. Once back in the warmth of your home or vehicle, you are assaulted by pins and needles as blood flows back to your extremities and face. Now imagine you cannot get out of the cold. Sadly, this is the reality for many cats and dogs who live outdoors without proper shelter. Tethered dogs or dogs confined in cages at puppy mills are exposed to the elements and experience excruciating pain and suffering as they freeze to death. These tragedies indicate poor or non-existent laws and the dire need for change.
Heart-wrenching stories like the senior dog named Buddy found frozen to the ground last year in Detroit, Michigan, are appalling. These tragic and preventable occurrences are urging lawmakers to examine current laws and advocate for changes to help prevent more animal suffering. Unfortunately, often these legislative bills never get a chance to be voted on because they never make it out of the committees they were referred to. In order to give these bills a chance to be heard, individuals must contact their legislators and the chair of the committees to show their support. (Read more about contacting your legislator here.)
According to a recent news article, House Bill 4784 is one such bill that could die in committee but is vital to help protect animals subjected to Michigan’s brutal winter weather. HB 4784 was introduced by Representatives Brann, Whitsett, Aiyash, Marino, Wozniak, Rogers, Sowerby, and Mueller to create better protections for animals who live outdoors. It seeks to amend the current law, MCL 750.50, to give specific requirements for adequate shelter based on the animal’s age, breed, fur thickness/length, and overall health. HB 4784 also addresses types of shelters that are not adequate:
- Crawl space under a building or steps
- Deck or stoop
- Metal or plastic barrels
- Animal carriers, transport crates, or wire crates
- Space under or inside a vehicle that is not running appropriate climate controls while under adult supervision
- Cardboard or materials easily degraded by the elements
- Shelters with wire or chain-link floors
Will you be the voice for countless animals suffering outdoors and contact your legislator? Learn more about ways to keep your companion animals safe by reading our winter safety tips or by ordering our free Winter Care Tips brochure.
Take Action: Michigan residents, you can help make a change and increase protections for the many cats and dogs subjected to the elements. Please contact the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Representative Filler, by emailing GrahamFiller@house.mi.gov to help get HB 4784 put on the agenda. Other residents, support legislation to protect the well-being of animals in your state.