Michigan State Senator Dayna Polehanki has introduced legislation that prohibits a dog being outside for more than 30 minutes when the temperature is below 32 degrees. Senate Bill 395 was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture where it awaits a hearing.
Take Action! Michigan members should contact their state senators and urge them to opposed SB 395. Members can find their legislators by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center.
“Senate Bill 395 is one-size-fits-all legislation based on arbitrary times and temperatures from a human’s perspective and completely ignores a canine’s unique ability to stay warm,” said Brian Lynn, vice president of communication for Sportsmen’s Alliance and sporting-dog writer. “Many working- and sporting-dog breeds thrive outside, and some even require adequate and increasing time outdoors to acclimate in order to perform those duties.”
SB 395 only allows a dog outside for longer than 30 minutes if the owner is present and actively participating in an undefined recreational activity. If the dog isn’t participating in a recreational activity, the bill mandates that they must be brought into a heated enclosure with a temperature that is at least 45 degrees for 30 minutes.
“Sen. Polehanki’s legislation completely ignores the physiology of canines and breeds developed for cold-weather work and living, and that dogs don’t experience 32 degrees the same way humans do. Not to mention, the realities of owners who don’t work from home and the issues this bill creates for them and the dog,” said Lynn. “This is just another example of unnecessary legislation that attacks even the most responsible dog owners, and another bill that could have dire impacts for sporting-dog owners.”
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