Paperwork was filed in January 2017 with the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) to start an animal protection caucus to advocate for humane legislation, educate legislators and their staff on the need for sensible animal protection legislation, and improve animal welfare in the state. The MDP is dragging its feet on approving the caucus that would protect the voiceless in our state.
Animal protection caucuses are popular. Congress formed the House Congressional Animal Protection Caucus in 2009. Members of Congress, such as Representative McCollum, are even showcasing animal protection issues on their websites. California lawmakers also formed an animal caucus in 2010.
There are plenty of issues that we need to get to work on in Michigan. We need to overturn breed specific legislation (BSL). BSL bans certain breeds of dogs. No evidence suggests that BSL works. It just harms dogs and breaks up Michigan families.
We need to pass HB 4025, which provides penalties for persons engaged in cruel treatment of companion animals in the presence of a child. HB 4026 is important to protect animals in domestic violence situations. Each day the MDP drags its feet on approving the caucus, the less likely it is for these bills to pass. There are many other bills affecting animals pending in the Michigan Legislature, and there will be more to come. The clock is ticking.
The need for an animal caucus is clear. Some committee chairs are stubborn and won’t let a bill out of committee for such vain reasons such as not supporting the animal welfare nonprofit organization that is spearheading the bill. If there is a caucus within the Democratic Party, we can reach out to these legislators to work out any objections.
A state representative sent a letter of recommendation to the Michigan Democratic Party to approve the caucus. Now, it’s your turn.
Please politely contact MDP Chair, Brandon Dillon, in support of the Animal Protection Caucus:
Brandon Dillon, Chair
Michigan Democratic Party
606 Townsend St.
Lansing, MI 48933-2313
(517) 371-5410
bdillon@michigandems.com
Brandon, animals need a voice in the Michigan Democratic Party.
UPDATE:
Brandon Dillon has rejected the animal caucus.
