Municipalities seeking to respond to concerns of puppy mills in their communities will no longer have the ability to act if House Bill 5917 is passed. The legislation will create a new act to prohibit a local government from enacting or enforcing an ordinance, policy, resolution, or rule that regulates pet shops. Currently, the League is aware of only a few communities who have passed such an ordinance. This legislation is an attempt to further erode local control.

House Bill 5917 is in committee for a vote tomorrow morning. The committee posting can be found HERE. Contact members of the House Agriculture Committee today, and encourage them to vote NO. Decision-making is best when at the local level for localized issues. This legislation removes the ability of the local governing body to react to issues brought forth by local constituents.The issue of puppy mills has been discussed in communities across the state, yet very few have proceeded with regulating pet shops in such a manner. House Bill 5917 is a solution in search of a problem that doesn’t exist!

Members of the House Agriculture committee are listed below.

Jennifer Rigterink is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues.  She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.