Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed four bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing animal welfare, expanding resources for animal shelters, and protecting abused animals across Michigan. The new legislation seeks to alleviate overcrowding in shelters and ensure compassionate care for homeless and abused animals.
One key bill, Senate Bill 106, sponsored by state Senator Dayna Polehanki, establishes a fundraising license plate. This initiative, in conjunction with the Secretary of State and the Michigan Pet Alliance, will generate funds for humane and health care for homeless and abused animals, supporting spay/neuter services and shelter staff. Tanya Hilgendorf, Chair of the Michigan Pet Alliance, said, “This new pet license plate is an important step toward expanding access to much-needed spay/neuter services and supporting Michigan's animal welfare workforce.”
Additionally, Senate Bills 293 and 294, also sponsored by Senator Polehanki, modify the bond-or-forfeit system for those convicted of animal cruelty or neglect. These bills now require offenders to pay restitution for the animal's care and rehoming efforts, and crucially, prohibit the abused animal from being returned to the perpetrator, removing barriers to prosecuting such cases.
Governor Whitmer also signed House Bill 4350, sponsored by state Rep. Ken Borton, which expands permissions for recreational wildlife and bird feeding. This bill allows individuals to feed wildlife within 300 feet of a residence, provided the total feed quantity is less than two gallons and complies with disease prevention standards. These actions continue Governor Whitmer's administration-long commitment to protecting Michigan's animal and wildlife populations.