While voters are divided on many political issues, the humane treatment of dogs is not one of them. Shockingly, that hasn’t stopped our Michigan State Representatives from fast-tracking two bills that will strip local governments of their right to protect breeding dogs from blatant cruelty.

H.B. 5916/H.B. 5917 are about to pass the House Agriculture Committee and will legislatively prevent local governments from passing laws that prohibit the retail sale of puppies bred in puppy mills. Municipalities in Michigan already have passed such ordinances, and these state bills will void those local laws.

Pet store puppies come almost exclusively from puppy mills, where breeding dogs can spend their entire lives in stacked, cramped, wire cages. They lack human contact, protection from extreme weather, adequate veterinary care, and any opportunities to exercise. Puppies born in these inhumane conditions frequently suffer from health issues and genetic defects, and are likely to develop behavioral issues due to the inadequate socialization they receive early in life.

Pet stores like Petland and The Family Puppy are behind these inhumane bills as they sell these puppies for thousands of dollars to unassuming consumers who fall for their cute faces — while remaining unaware of their inhumane background, overbred and neglected mothers, and frequent physical and emotional health issues.

As an animal-loving Michigander, I am disappointed that our representatives are considering bills that enable cruel treatment of dogs, overrule vetted municipal ordinances, and flat-out do no good. Pet stores who bankroll puppy mill cruelty are not deserving of legislative protection. Please call your state Representative and ask them to please vote no on H.B. 5916/H.B. 5917.

Virginia Holden

Berrien Springs