Now it’s the Endangered Species Act itself that is endangered. Although it received overwhelming bi-partisan support when enacted in 1973*, but for years a political football, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) faces an existential challenge. The current administration this week … Continued
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service proposes removing gray wolves in the lower 48 states from protection under the Endangered Species Act and turning management over to the states. AFA’s comment in opposition offers a useful perspective for the … Continued
Michigan passed a Hunter Harassment Act in the 1990s and updated it several years ago to prevent hunters from being harassed by the use of drones. Now legislation has been introduced at the behest of the hunting interests to create … Continued
We’re 5 months into the Michigan and Congressional legislative sessions. There’s been local activity as well. Highlights include: Michigan Legislature: This month saw the introduction of a 6-bill animal-friendly bill package, which AFA’s board has voted to support: animals in … Continued
Below is the full report; here’s a link to the searchable version, so you can see the bills for yourself. Since the last Tracker, the Michigan Senate Natural Resources Committee held hearings on resolutions supporting hunting of sandhill cranes and … Continued
Michigan The legislature is starting to settle in, with more animal-related bills being introduced and committee hearings being scheduled on those bills. Just yesterday, April 16, HB 4455, a bill that would designate the shelter pet as the state’s official pet was … Continued
The Michigan Legislature is in recess for the next two weeks. We will be keeping a close eye on two animal un-friendly bills introduced earlier in March, and will keep you in the loop when action is needed. AFA’s board … Continued
We’ve not seen much activity in the Michigan legislature this month, as the new legislators and newly formed committees get their bearings. Additionally, the legislature was closed for several days due to weather. We are encouraged by the number of … Continued
We are just now, at the end of the first week of January 2019, catching our breath from the frenetic and consequential “lame duck” session of the Michigan Legislature. The 2019-20 session will begin on January 9, 2019. Before we … Continued
With perhaps two more weeks to go, we’re closely watching several bills pending in the Michigan Legislature. The following have had some movement since the #LameDuck session began, although there are many others–both positive and negative that are listed in … Continued