A bill that is stuck in the Michigan House of Representatives, H.B. 4663, would ban pound seizure, the sale of dogs and cats by public shelters for use in research.

Michigan does not require pound seizure as in Utah, Minnesota and Oklahoma, but does allow public shelters to sell animals to research facilities. This bill would end that practice.

Under the bill, H.B. 4663, it would be illegal for research facilities to obtain dogs or cats from anyone except licensed dealers or commercial breeders whether or not they are licensed. No one would be allowed to buy or sell dogs or cats for research at auctions or by weight.  

The bill would also ban the purchase, sale or supply of dogs and cats from random sources for research. Random sources are defined as dogs and cats obtained from auctions or animal shelters or someone who did not breed and raise the animal. Random source can also refer to stray or lost dogs or cats. 

This bill is named Koda's Law, for a 3 year old dog named Koda who was surrendered by his owner to a shelter and instead of being offered for adoption, he was immediately sold to the University of Michigan's Advanced Trauma Life Support Class where he was subjected to experiments and died. The outrage and ensuing investigation resulted in the university's decision in 2009 to stop using live pets in that course.

Click here for more on pound seizure.  Also, go here for information about the pound seizure going on in Montcalm County, MI This bill would shut down abhorrent agreements like the one between Montcalm County and R&R Research. 

What You Can Do

Call or write (faxes are best) Michigan lawmakers and urge them to pass this bill, H.B. 4663, which was introduced by Rep. John Espinoza and is stuck in the Agriculture Committee whose members' names and contact information can be found here. 

Find and contact your Michigan state representative.  Here is a list of email addresses and phone numbers for all Michigan state representatives. 

Find and contact your Michigan state senator.  Here is an email list for all Michigan state senators.