Government

Bills would allow citizens to dine out with their dog

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By CAITLIN TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING — When dining out for dinner, who always seems to be missing? The lonely four-legged friend at home. Bills proposed in the House and Senate are aiming to change this. Dogs would be allowed to dine with their owners at restaurants with outdoor patios. As a pet owner, Sen. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage, who re-introduced the bill in the Senate, said she understands the desire to spend time with your dog after working all day.

Government

Bills to regulate dog breeders advance in Legislature

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By CAITLIN DeLUCA
Capital News Service
LANSING — Lawmakers are considering the creation of a new Animal Welfare Commission. The commission would adopt new rules for licensing and inspections for breeders. Its membership would include one member of an animal rescue organization, a U.S. Department of -Agriculture-accredited veterinarian, an academic who specializes in animal welfare, someone representing a statewide hunting organization, two dog breeders and the director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The sponsor ll in the Senate is Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren. The House version’s primary sponsor is Rep. Mike McCready, R-Bloomfield Hills.

Government

Bill would exterminate breed discrimination

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By ALEXANDER SMITH
Capital News Service
LANSING – State lawmakers are considering a bill to eliminate dog breed discrimination by Michigan cities and towns. It would prohibit local governments from putting special regulations on particular breeds. Cities that ban dogs such as pit bulls or Rottweilers would have to find breed-neutral ways to regulate them, such as stricter leash laws for dogs above a certain weight or height. There are 29 cities that have restrictions on particular dog breeds according to the Best Friends Animal Society, which supports the bill sponsored by Sen. David Robertson, R-Grand Blanc Township. Each focuses on pit bulls.