We welcomed Rep. Tsernoglou at the beginning of a new legislative session, and the start of her 2nd term in the House. She was an animal advocate before coming to the legislature, was a staunch supporter of animal-friendly legislation last term, and has big plans for this term.
“We had talked about updating the dog law…quite an expansive thing to take on. I think we need a lot more discussion about what that’s going to be but I am happy to take that on as a project for this year as well. I understand it’s been a long time coming so I’ll take that on.”
Representative Penelope Tsneroglou, Lunch + Legislation, February 3, 2025
Here are some highlights from the discussion.
“Over the years did whatever I could for the animals … now I’m just excited to be able to get involved as a state legislator and work on animal issues from that perspective.” She was involved in improving the Ingham County Animal Control facility, has fostered many animals over the years, and has a particular fondness for cats.
She introduced the “Adequate Shelter” bill package last session, to refine and add detail to what constitutes “adequate shelter” under the criminal code, MCL 750.50. She worked with Animal Control Officers and “at the end there was no opposition. We were even able to bring in the bear hunting groups. We were able to work with everyone it would affect, and everyone was supportive because it really was targeting individuals who were unwilling to provide adequate shelter outside to their pets. And that’s not a group of people who we specifically want to protect for any reason.”
Rep. Tsneroglou discribed the process at the end of last session for the shelter bill package. It had been introduced late in last session, and there was a log-jam in committees. She was able to get the package transferred to a committee that was able to hold a hearing on it. It was s.ent to the floor. “but then we just ran out of time for voting for it on the House floor. It was on internal list of bills that would have gotten put up on the board [for a vote by full House] had we continued our lame duck session but we didn’t because we didn’t have a quorum. So sadly those bills died at the end of session. They are for sure something I’d like to see come back.”
“Animal welfare is one of those spaces where we can find bi-partisan support.“ Knows several legislators on both sides of the aisle willing to do animal-welfare related bills. “This might be the time when we can do some of this work.”
Discussing this new session, she said that “the pet sheltering bill will be my #1 priority because we’re still in the middle of winter and if there’s any way we can get it passed with immediate effect before the end of winter, maybe it can start making an impact this season. So I’m really going to focus on that and hopefully find partners to push it … because people tend to think about it more when you see the freezing animals.”
Another bill from last year that she’s committed to working on again, was to open existing domestic violence funds for animals in domestic violence situations, and shelters that house them and the people involved. “Having pets would not be a barrier for survivors to be able to leave abusive relationships and unsafe situations. … Time and time again, we do see that people will stay behind because they can’t bring their pets. … Another past job I’ve had is victim’s advocate so I’ve personally seen those situations happen.”
Her assessment of the Puppy Protection Act (which would prevent pet shops from selling dogs, cats and rabbits) and Queenie’s Law animal testing, from last term “votes just not there”.
Rep. Tsenoglou made one major announcement: “We had talked about updating the dog law…quite an expansive thing to take on. I think we need a lot more discussion about what that’s going to be but I am happy to take that on as a project for this year as well. I understand it’s been a long time coming so I’ll take that on.”
This is just a sampling. You can listen to the full interview here.