Together, we can make a difference.
Action Alerts & Updates
Stop the Michigan Wolf Hunt
Update: Gray wolves were added back to the Endangered Species list in early February 2022, which means they are now protected by federal law. We have, unfortunately, already heard of attempts by some to appeal this decision and we will be sure to keep you updated on any changes.
Wolves nearly went extinct after being maligned and maliciously hunted. The federal Endangered Species Act aided in their recovery, but wolves were officially delisted in January by the Trump Administration and no longer receive federal protection.
A wolf hunting and trapping season is not based on the best available science, ignores the will of Michigan voters (who twice opposed wolf hunting initiatives across the state), Michigan’s tribal communities and perpetuates the idea that hunting an animal for a trophy is an acceptable way to interact with our state’s wildlife.
We know wolves are noble, intelligent creatures with strong family ties, and are an essential part of Michigan’s natural beauty and delicate ecosystems. We also know that wolf population has remained stable but small for a decade, livestock depredations are minimal and there is no documented risk to human safety. There is simply no justification for a wolf hunt in 2021.
Wildlife nearly everywhere are under great threat as their numbers continue to diminish due to deforestation, climate change, pollution, illegal trade and trophy hunting. They need our protection!
Give Animals in Research a Life Outside the Lab
Photo credit: Yves Forestier/Sygma via Getty Images
Thousands of dogs and cats are used for research in Michigan every year, and many are needlessly euthanized when the experiments end, despite being healthy and adoptable.
Teddy’s Law was officially re-introduced in March 2023 in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate. Both bills will require laboratories to offer any cat or dog used in testing up for adoption with a MDARD-registered shelter as long as they are in good health, and will require laboratories to report the number of animals that they use, euthanize and adopt to the Department of Agriculture every year.
We’re delighted to report that Teddy’s Law is one step closer to reality! It has passed the Michigan Senate and is now moving to the state House. There’s more work ahead, but we’re one step closer to giving dogs and cats a chance at life outside of the laboratory.
Want to help? Sign up to be an HSHV Animal Defender to receive the most up to date information on how you can help pass these bills.
Let’s help give dogs and cats a chance at life outside of a laboratory!
Great news! Recently, a bill was introduced by State Representative Jimmy Wilson, Jr. of Ypsilanti which would make Michigan the third state to make declawing cats illegal. We have every paw crossed that it’ll become law.
Some believe declawing helps keep cats in homes, but our statistics show otherwise.
The word “declaw” is misleading and sounds harmless, but actually involves amputating all or part of the toe. It is not only a painful surgery to recover from, but research shows declawing often leads to a lifetime of pain and can increase biting, inappropriate litterbox usage, and aggression. We see so many declawed cats suffering from chronic pain. (And without expertise, it can be hard to read pain in a cat—they tell you through their behavior– like not using the litterbox.)
Declawing cats puts them at greater risk to be turned in to a shelter because of the resulting problems. The CDC and National Institutes of Health agree. See more about the issues from declawing here.
Thank you to Representative Wilson and all the folks who support it. And thank you for helping educate others that scratching is instinctual and necessary for cats, and there are many humane and effective strategies that can be used to prevent cats from damaging furniture. See more here.
We’ll soon need your help to make sure this bill becomes law. We’ll keep you updated!
- Wolf Hunt
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Stop the Michigan Wolf Hunt
Update: Gray wolves were added back to the Endangered Species list in early February 2022, which means they are now protected by federal law. We have, unfortunately, already heard of attempts by some to appeal this decision and we will be sure to keep you updated on any changes.
Wolves nearly went extinct after being maligned and maliciously hunted. The federal Endangered Species Act aided in their recovery, but wolves were officially delisted in January by the Trump Administration and no longer receive federal protection.A wolf hunting and trapping season is not based on the best available science, ignores the will of Michigan voters (who twice opposed wolf hunting initiatives across the state), Michigan’s tribal communities and perpetuates the idea that hunting an animal for a trophy is an acceptable way to interact with our state’s wildlife.
We know wolves are noble, intelligent creatures with strong family ties, and are an essential part of Michigan’s natural beauty and delicate ecosystems. We also know that wolf population has remained stable but small for a decade, livestock depredations are minimal and there is no documented risk to human safety. There is simply no justification for a wolf hunt in 2021.
Wildlife nearly everywhere are under great threat as their numbers continue to diminish due to deforestation, climate change, pollution, illegal trade and trophy hunting. They need our protection!
- Research Animal Bills
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Give Animals in Research a Life Outside the Lab
Photo credit: Yves Forestier/Sygma via Getty Images
Thousands of dogs and cats are used for research in Michigan every year, and many are needlessly euthanized when the experiments end, despite being healthy and adoptable.
Teddy’s Law was officially re-introduced in March 2023 in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate. Both bills will require laboratories to offer any cat or dog used in testing up for adoption with a MDARD-registered shelter as long as they are in good health, and will require laboratories to report the number of animals that they use, euthanize and adopt to the Department of Agriculture every year.
We’re delighted to report that Teddy’s Law is one step closer to reality! It has passed the Michigan Senate and is now moving to the state House. There’s more work ahead, but we’re one step closer to giving dogs and cats a chance at life outside of the laboratory.
Want to help? Sign up to be an HSHV Animal Defender to receive the most up to date information on how you can help pass these bills.
Let’s help give dogs and cats a chance at life outside of a laboratory!
- Declaw Bill
-
Great news! Recently, a bill was introduced by State Representative Jimmy Wilson, Jr. of Ypsilanti which would make Michigan the third state to make declawing cats illegal. We have every paw crossed that it’ll become law.
Some believe declawing helps keep cats in homes, but our statistics show otherwise.
The word “declaw” is misleading and sounds harmless, but actually involves amputating all or part of the toe. It is not only a painful surgery to recover from, but research shows declawing often leads to a lifetime of pain and can increase biting, inappropriate litterbox usage, and aggression. We see so many declawed cats suffering from chronic pain. (And without expertise, it can be hard to read pain in a cat—they tell you through their behavior– like not using the litterbox.)
Declawing cats puts them at greater risk to be turned in to a shelter because of the resulting problems. The CDC and National Institutes of Health agree. See more about the issues from declawing here.
Thank you to Representative Wilson and all the folks who support it. And thank you for helping educate others that scratching is instinctual and necessary for cats, and there are many humane and effective strategies that can be used to prevent cats from damaging furniture. See more here.
We’ll soon need your help to make sure this bill becomes law. We’ll keep you updated!
Resources
HSHV works with local, state and federal legislators and partner organizations to help better protect animals. Below are some resources. Have a suggestion for more? Email us!
Legislative Tracker™
For the latest information on animal welfare legislation, please refer to Attorneys for Animals’ Legislative Tracker™ .
Effective Advocacy Tips
Courtesy of Jennifer Martin, adjunct clinical instructor at the UM School of Public Health and former HSHV board member
Step 1: Identify the issue you are concerned about
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- Think about the issue at hand and what exactly you want to see changed. Work to gather information on the issue from all sides, including arguments both for and against the change you want to see made.
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Step 2: Identify a clear goal for your advocacy
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- Creating a goal that is realistic and will have an impact is one of the most important steps in effective advocacy work. Start off by developing an “ask.” When doing this, consider what it is you want to accomplish. Is it a new law? A regulation? Be as clear as possible about what you are asking lawmakers to do and if appropriate, include the following:
- Specific legislation involved
- The lead sponsor of the legislation
- Timing of any future actions
- Creating a goal that is realistic and will have an impact is one of the most important steps in effective advocacy work. Start off by developing an “ask.” When doing this, consider what it is you want to accomplish. Is it a new law? A regulation? Be as clear as possible about what you are asking lawmakers to do and if appropriate, include the following:
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Sample “ask”: I’m writing to urge you to vote “no” on House bill 5917, sponsored by Rep Vaupe, which would prohibit local governments from enacting rules that regulate pet shops. If this bill passes, any city or county wishing to prohibit pet shops from selling puppy mill puppies would be unable to do so. Ordinances already passed by Michigan cities to prohibit the sale of puppy mills would e revoked. This bill we e considered on the floor of the House next week.
Step 3: Identify the Decision Maker
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- When planning, it is important to think about who is going to be making any decisions regarding the issue you are concerned about. Will it be Congress? Is there a subcommittee? Your local Mayor? Focus all communication and efforts engaging those who will be a part of the decision making process for your particular issue.
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Step 4: Affiliate/Build Coalition
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- Strength comes in numbers. Connect with local groups and organizations who share your goal and build and mobilize grass roots efforts. Because elected officials really listen to their constituents, the more stakeholders you can engage in your efforts, the better.
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Step 5: Identify Opportunities to Engage
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- One of the most effective ways to bring your issue to an elected officials attention is by engaging with them in a variety of ways. Attending town hall meetings, writing letters, inviting staff to events and conducting in person meetings are all great ways to communicate your goal.
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More tips:
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- Be prepared: have information, questions and expertise readily available.
- Be professional: dress the part! Engage in polite, respectful way and be mindful of body language and your overall approach. Refrain from things like gum chewing and having your cell phone.
- Be Persistent: offer your assistance, write thank you notes and maintain contact.
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Use the links below to find out who represents you. The more your elected officials hear from you, their constituent, on animal welfare issues, the more likely they are to make it a priority for them to address. Your phone call, email or personal visit makes an impact!
Your local representatives
Find your Ann Arbor City Council Representatives
Find your Ypsilanti City Council Representatives
Saline City Council – Plymouth City Government
Find your Washtenaw County Elected Officials
Your state representatives
Find your Michigan State Representative
Find your Michigan State Senator
Find your national representatives
U.S. House of Representatives: Find your Congressional Representative
U.S. Senate: Contact Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow
Thoughts on Animal Advocacy from our CEO
Be an Animal Defender.
Advocating individually for animals