FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Nieboer
616-706-2314

PITBULL LEGISLATION STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS

Today, Representative Hugh Crawford (R-Novi), chair of the Michigan House of Representatives’ Regulatory Reform committee, agreed not to hold a hearing on the Pit Bull–banning legislation, HB 4714, sponsored by Representative Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Point).

Mark Jaeger, President of Protect MI Dogs (PMD), a statewide coalition that supports responsible pet ownership policies in Michigan, says Crawford made the right decision.

“We’re pleased that Representative Crawford denied a hearing for this bill. A breed-specific ban only drives the activity underground. Let’s focus on the real problem which is the need for better education and enforcement of existing laws which promote responsible dog ownership. Protect MI Dogs would be happy to assist Michigan lawmakers in crafting effective laws to reduce dog bites in our state,” says Jaeger.

Instead of focusing on breed-specific legislation, Protect MI Dogs encourages the legislature to enforce current and proven Michigan laws for animal regulation, and to work with PMD to promote issues such as responsible dog ownership, public education about dogs, proper breeding and veterinary care, the rescue and adoption of pets, and the humane treatment of animals in service to humans.

Pet ownership is vital to Michigan’s economy and our way of life. Owning, caring for, and raising a dog, whether it be a show dog or a family pet, contributes a significant amount to the local economy. Over $3.2 billion is generated annually for the Michigan economy from spending on dogs in the state. This includes spending on events, dog clubs, show exhibitors, breeding and basic dog care, just to name a few.

Protect MI Dogs has over 1,000 members, comprised of over fourteen (14) dog owner, breeder organizations and kennel clubs from all over the state. Those organizations include: the Ann Arbor Kennel Club, The Detroit Kennel Club, The Grand Rapids Kennel Club; the Holland Kennel Club; the Greater Muskegon Kennel Club; the Huron River Labrador Retriever Club; the Ingham County Kennel Club; the Kalamazoo Kennel Club; the Oakland County Kennel Club; the Pontiac Kennel Club; the Progressive Dog Club of Wayne County; the Third Leg Club (based in Kalamazoo); the West Michigan Harvest Cluster; and the Up N Over Agility Club of Southeast Michigan.

For more information about Protect MI Dogs, visit www.protectmidogs.org.