MDA's Regulatory Responsibilities

Various state programs have been established to help regulate the pet industry as well as protect the safety and well-being of companion animals in Michigan. These include regulating and licensing petshops, animal shelters, and riding stables. Dr. Michele Finateri, a veterinarian with the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is the manager for these areas. Below are summaries of some of the state programs related to companion animals.

Dog Law

Authority for the Dog Law is listed under Public Act 339 of 1919, as amended. The program involves the partnership of local animal control officers and other local law enforcement officials. It allows for various program duties that are enforced and managed by local authorities. These responsibilities range from rabies vaccinations to the enforcement of leash restraint regulations.

Dog Identification

This program operates under Public Act 309 of 1939, as amended. The Dog Identification Program operates with the integral help of registered designated tattooers and private veterinary practitioners. There are about 11,232 tattooed animals and 91 designated tattooers in Michigan. Tattoo identification is a permanent and effective way to track your animal in case it gets lost or hurt. In addition, private breeders are now using dog identification methods to register breeding animals. For more information on this program click here.

Pet Shop and Animal Shelter Regulation

This important companion animal program operates under the jurisdiction of Public Act 287 of 1969 and Regulation 151. Industry stakeholders include local law enforcement officials in animal neglect or cruelty cases, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Care Division.

In Michigan there are about:

• 264 pet shops
  
• 91 animal control shelters (dog pounds)
  
• 92 animal protection shelters (e.g., humane society shelters)
  

The MDA's Pet Shop and Animal Shelter regulatory program is responsible for oversight of various animal holding facilities. The MDA does not have regulatory oversight over birds, rodents, fish and reptiles. Animal facility inspections include the following aspects:

• sanitation
  
• cleanliness
  
• waste management
  
• space allotment
  
• air quality
  
• environmental temperature
  
• food and cleaning agent storage
  
• recordkeeping
  
• rodent and vermin control
  
• physical facility maintenance
  
• vehicles (if applicable)
  
• adequate veterinary care
  

For more information about animal welfare issues contact MDA at: (517) 373-1077.