Ask the Michigan Senate to Support Bill Prohibiting Breed-Specific Laws

A bill has passed two Michigan Senate committees that would prohibit local governments in the state from enacting or enforcing laws that focus solely on a dog’s breed.

The AKC supports Senate Bill 239, which would ensure that local governments regulate dogs based on specific actions, rather than their appearance.  Governments could still pass animal control and other dog laws, they just would be prohibited from enacting or enforcing any ordinance or rule that regulates a dog based solely on “the breed, perceived breed, or type of dog.”

If the bill passes, Michigan would become the 18th state to protect innocent dogs and responsible dog owners by banning breed-specific laws.

The bill is now pending in the Senate Committee of the Whole.  Michigan residents and those who participate in events in Michigan are encouraged to contact the Senate in support of Senate Bill 239.  Visit the Michigan Senate’s website and type in your address to find the name and contact information for your state senator.  A full list of Senators can be found here.

Visit the AKC’s Legislative Action Center for more information and talking points on why breed-specific policies are harmful to dogs and responsible dog owners.

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to closely monitor this legislation and provide more information as it becomes available.  For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org or the Michigan Association for Pure-Bred Dogs at bobkdarden@hotmail.com.