News
Michigan Bill Will Ban Pound Seizures
April 02, 2009, 5:32PM MT
By Cheri Moon
Michigan Residents: H.B. 4663 Needs Your Support!
Michigan Residents: H.B. 4663 Needs Your Support!
By Best Friends Staff
To All Michigan Residents
H.B. 4663 will ban pound seizure in Michigan—the sale of dogs and cats by public shelters for use in experimental research.
Also called “Koda’s Law,” the bill is named after a dog that was sold to a USDA Class B Dealer (animal broker) and then resold to the University of Michigan where he was used in the university’s Advanced Trauma Life Support Class, and then euthanized.
Koda’s former family believed that taking him to a shelter would allow him to find a home—they did not know Koda could be purchased by a broker then sold to be used in a research experiment.
Currently, there are four shelters in Michigan that permit pound seizures.
Bill Will Not Interfere with Education and Training
Koda’s Law will not interfere or prohibit legitimate medical research. The bill permits several necessary veterinary training and research activities with shelter cats and dogs, including: spay-neuter training, correcting pre-existing medical conditions (such as broken bones or illnesses) and allowing blood banks to obtain life-saving animal blood. The cats and dogs used in these instances are placed for adoption after they have been treated.
Please note that this bill simply stops shelter cats and dogs from being used in research. Research facilities will still be able to obtain cats and dogs from licensees who breed animals for research.
How You Can Help
Companion animals depend on humans for their safety and well-being. Their dependency is betrayed when shelters allow pets to be taken by Class B Dealers for resale to research facilities.
Pound seizure has to end.
Contact your Michigan Representative Today!
Your support is needed to pass H.B. 4663.
1. Provide your name and address in your email, at the end of your letter AND on the envelope or during the phone call.
Legislators want to know that you are one of the people they represent.
2. Ask your legislator to support H.B. 4663.
Click here to find your Michigan Representative.
http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp
For More Information
• To find the status of pound seizure laws in your state click here.
• If you are thinking of re-homing your pet, click here to learn alternative ways to finding your pet a good, new home.
• If you are having problems with your pet, search our library of pet care tips written by vets, behaviorists and trainers.
• Join the Best Friends' FIRST HOME FOREVER HOME campaign to stay abreast of important topics for you and your pet.
*Best Friends Animal Society supports this legislation.
Stock photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends Staff
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff