Michigan is looking to introduce legislation, dubbed ‘Logan’s Law’, to prevent animal shelter adoptions by convicted animal abusers.
In March 2012, an 11-year-old Husky named Logan, owned by Matt and Nancy Falk of Goodells, Michigan, suffered a fatal burn when a stranger came into his yard and threw an acid based chemical in his face. Logan’s wounds healed, but unfortunately the treatment and side effects of the attack were more than his poor body could stand. Logan died on July 9, 2012. Now his family vows to get an animal abuse registry law passed in Michigan.
Michigan lawmakers are one step closer to forcing municipal run and privately run animals shelters into doing a background check on anyone before placing an animal in a new home. There are some problems with the bill in that it wouldn’t require pet shops or rescue groups to comply with the proposed bill.
A state registry would be organized, and those whose name appears with a conviction of animal cruelty within the last five years wouldn’t be allowed to adopt. In some cases, a conviction from more than five years would still be banned.
According to the Facebook page: Logan’s Law, an announcement was made May 12 saying
“Logan’s law was voted on today by the Michigan House of Representatives Judiciary committee, and Logan’s law has passed the House Judiciary committee! !!! Now it is on to the House floor waiting to be put on the House agenda!!!”
In 2013 (one reference states 2014), Logan’s Law was only a few steps away from being passed. Now Michigan HB4353 and HB4355 are well on their way to becoming law. To help make this happen, you can contact Michigan Senators at the contact information listed below:
Gary Peters (D-MI)
724 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202)224-6221
Click to contact
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202)224-4822
Click to contact
Senator Stabenow does state she can only respond to emails from Michigan residents, and any email with an attachment won’t reach her, due to the possibility of viruses.
There are some who believe the bill won’t protect enough of the animals in the state, even if it does pass into law. Michigan Humane Society stated:
“Animals acquired through pet stores, breeders, the internet, small, unregistered rescues and any other source would not be subject to this law! While the percentage of animals acquired through adoption continues to rise, thankfully, only 25% of newly acquired pets come via adoption. Therefore, 75% of our companion animals would NOT be protected by this bill!
MHS’ goal is to protect ALL of Michigan’s companion animals and were are hopeful that amendments to Logan’s Law could make it a landmark piece of legislation in protecting Michigan’s animals!”
While there are a few kinks to be worked out, should the bill pass, it’s a step in the right direction into strengthening animal cruelty laws already in place.
Since there’s a lot going on with Logan’s Law at this time, which would make this a very lengthy article, I invite those more closely involved to contribute additional information in the comment section below.
Absolutely yes. I surprised me that the law has not already been created nationwide.
There is no excuse for this not to be a law in all of the United States, and at every facility where animals are sold or adopted. It should also adhere to private breeders. Animals need to be protected from abusers, just as do children.
This is an excellent bill. I sincerely hope it becomes law. There is no reason why it shouldn’t. It can only be a good thing.
Is Michigan a good state for animal welfare? Do we know if there is an equivalent law in California which seems to be one of the best states for animal protections laws.
I couldn’t agree more. This law should be nationwide. Why not? There is no reason why not. It can only do good.
This law needs to be passed in all states! Animals are like children and need to be protected…they cannot speak for themselves!!!