The Michigan House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15, 2020, that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in the state by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies. This would be a significant step forward for Michigan dog owners, as there are several localities that have considered or enacted breed-specific laws over the past several years.
Municipalities would still be permitted to enact other policies and regulations on dog owners, so long as these laws do not target specific breeds.
All who reside or participate in dog events in Michigan are encouraged to contact the committee and ask them to support House Substitute H1 for House Bill 4035.
Talking Points:
The AKC supports House Bill 4035, which protects the rights of dog owners while still allowing communities to enact laws that hold all owners accountable. Visit the Breed-Specific/Dangerous Dog Laws page in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points on this issue.
What You Can Do:
All who reside or participate in dog events in Michigan are encouraged to contact the House Ways and Means Committee prior to the hearing on Tuesday, September 15, and ask them to support House Bill 4035 and the H1 substitute for the bill.
Committee Chairman Rep. Brandt Iden
(517) 373-1774
BrandtIden@house.mi.gov
Rep. Kyra Bolden
(517)-373-1788
kyrabolden@house.mi.gov
Rep. Wendell Byrd
(517)-373-0144
wendellbyrd@house.mi.gov
Rep. Beth Griffin
(517) 373-0839
BethGriffin@house.mi.gov
Rep. Roger Hauck
(517) 373-1789
RogerHauck@house.mi.gov
Rep. Kevin Hertel
(517)-373-1180
kevinhertel@house.mi.gov
Rep. Bronna Kahle
(517) 373-1706
BronnaKahle@house.mi.gov
Rep. Luke Meerman
(517) 373-1830
LukeMeerman@house.mi.gov
Rep. Eric Leutheuser
(517) 373-1794
EricLeutheuser@house.mi.gov
Rep. Jim Lilly
(517) 373-0838
JimLilly@house.mi.gov
Rep. Rebekah Warren
(517) 373-1792
rebekahwarren@house.mi.gov
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this legislation and provide more information as it becomes available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.