Bill > HB4254

This bill amends the Michigan Public Health Code to prohibit public bodies from using dogs in experimental research, training, or testing that causes pain or distress. The bill defines key terms such as "dog" (a domestic dog of any age), "experimental purpose" (research, testing, or training related to human or animal diseases), and "public body" (government entities including state, local, and educational institutions). Specifically, the bill prohibits public bodies from using dogs in experiments that could be reportable to the USDA, cause death, injury, fear, or trauma, or involve invasive procedures like surgery, implanting medical devices, or administering experimental drugs. There are exceptions for veterinary training, clinical research with owner consent, and routine veterinary procedures like spaying or neutering. Public bodies that violate these provisions would be subject to civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per dog and per day of violation. The bill also requires the state department to establish rules implementing these standards and repeals two existing sections of the public health code. Interestingly, the bill may be known as "Queenie's law," suggesting it was potentially inspired by a specific incident involving a dog's mistreatment in experimental research.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4254