Help protect your pets and shelter pets from
being used in research

Dear Doc,

The Michigan House of Representatives is considering a bill that
would strictly regulate how cats and dogs used for research are
obtained.

Under current Michigan law, research facilities and Class B dealers (brokers licensed by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture) are allowed to obtain cats and dogs from animal shelters, or from a
"random source." People bring stray animals to animal shelters in the hope of reuniting the pet with
its family, and report animal cruelty in the hope that the animal will be rescued and safely sheltered.

When a shelter sells a cat or dog for research, it is a betrayal of public trust.

Introduced by Rep. Coleman A. Young II (D-District 4), House Bill 5263 would amend sections of
the Michigan Dog Law of 1919 to regulate the purchase and sale of "random source" cats and dogs.
"Random sources" include backyards, auctions, flea markets, and animal shelters. The bill prohibits
any person, including Class B dealers, research facilities and "bunchers" (unlicensed individuals
who collect random source animals and sell them to dealers or research facilities) from purchasing,
acquiring, selling or making available a random source cat or dog for research or experimentation.
The bill specifically eliminates Michigan's animal control, animal protection shelters, and public
animal auctions from releasing a dog or cat for research or experimentation.

American Humane strongly supports Rep. Young's bill. Please help us by sending an e-mail to your
state representative.

Click here to learn more about this legislation. [url="https://secure2.convio.net/aha/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=493"]Click here to take action now!
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