Michigan House Bill HB4838

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/22/23
• Refer: 6/22/23

Caption

Animals: pet shops; requirement for pet shops to sell only certain animals; provide for. Amends secs. 1, 5a & 10 of 1969 PA 287 (MCL 287.331 et seq.).

Impact

The bill will significantly impact existing state laws concerning animal welfare and health certifications in pet shops. By enforcing new health standards that require vaccinations, the bill addresses mounting concerns over the origins of pets sold in retail markets and the conditions in which they are kept prior to sale. Furthermore, this legislation also aims to curb unethical breeding practices, as pet shops will not be able to sell animals under 8 weeks old starting in 2025, which is a move towards preventing puppy mills and ensuring that only socially responsible institutions can distribute these animals.

Summary

House Bill 4838 seeks to amend the 1969 Public Act 287, which regulates pet shops, animal control shelters, and animal protection shelters in the state of Michigan. This bill proposes strict guidelines concerning the sale and adoption of pets, particularly emphasizing the health and safety of animals being exchanged. Under the new regulations, pet shops will be required to ensure that any animal sold has been properly vaccinated and is accompanied by a valid health certificate confirming its health status. These measures aim to reduce the spread of diseases and improve the welfare of pets sold in Michigan.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4838 include arguments over local control versus state regulation, and concerns from pet shop owners about the economic impact of complying with these new rules. Opponents of the bill worry that such stringent regulations could drive small pet shops out of business, potentially consolidating pet sales to larger commercial entities that can more easily absorb the associated costs. Advocates for animal rights argue that this bill is a necessary step toward protecting animal welfare, ensuring that all pets sold within the state come from safe and humane environments.