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Small Victory for Shelter Animals
American Humane legislation banning shelter animal seizure passes Michigan state House
Lansing, MI (July 28, 2010)—American Humane is encouraged that the proposed state legislation it created to stop shelter dogs and cats from being seized by Class B dealers for scientific experiments has passed the Michigan House of Representatives.
“One can only imagine the horror of having your family pet wind up in a shelter and then be sold to a Class B dealer for scientific experiments before it can be picked up or find a new home,” said Allie Phillips, a former prosecutor who authored the legislation in her role as American Humane’s vice president of strategic initiatives. “This is a heartbreaking and cruel practice that must be stopped.”
By a vote of 78-20, Michigan’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 4663 (Koda’s Law), which, if approved also by the Senate, would effectively end the 30-year practice of pet dealers taking shelter dogs and cats for sale to research facilities. Under current law, Class B dealers (named after their type of U.S. Department of Agriculture license) engage in the practice of providing shelter animals around the nation to research laboratories for experimentation. There are currently nine Class B dealers that broker live animals for experimentation in the United States, with three being located in Michigan.
The landmark legislation was sponsored by State Rep.. John Espinoza (D-Croswell) and authored by American Humane, the nation’s historic voice of advocacy and awareness for the protection of children and animals. Founded in 1877, Denver-based American Humane provides public policy leadership, education and direct action incorporating a vast network of agencies, academic institutions, businesses and individual Americans to help protect children and animals from abuse and neglect.
Previous efforts in Michigan to ban Class B dealers have gone county by county, and there are currently two remaining shelters in the state that practice pound seizure.
The bill will now move to the Michigan Senate for consideration.
For more information on this and other issues relating to the protection of children and animals, please visit American Humane at www.americanhumane.org.
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Handsome Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders that Really Work
Squirrels stealing seed from the bird feeder…it’s a miserable yet common theme among backyard birders. Even if you do feed the furry critters, it’s never enough because they always invite their friends! Their acrobatic skills and antics are enough to drive one bonkers!Many squirrel proof bird feeders tend to resemble miniature critter jails with their metal cages surrounding a feeder tube. They work well for the most part, but that industrial look just doesn’t suit all environments. There are better options out there for feeding your birds and foiling squirrels.
This high quality squirrel proof bird feeder is the called the Sky Cafe. It’s available in several options, including color roof, and seed separators, to offer multiple seed mixes in one feeder. It may be hung or pole mounted with the baffle below the feeder. The Sky Cafe is attractive and very effective at keeping squirrels out of your birdseed.
Check out why the Sky Cafe is called the “Fort Knox” of feeders in this great manufacturer’s video below and see for yourself. You may get a little chuckle too!
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Fun Birdhouse Kits for Ages 8 to 88
Innovative and fun to assemble, these recycled plastic birdhouse kits provide real nest sites for feathered friends. The vibrant color combinations (and patterns too) will have young and old admiring them for their simplicity and charm. No tools are required for assembly, and they 
make great projects for a rainy day at home, and for youth or church groups.The non-toxic plastic is safe for birds, and ensures many seasons of use and enjoyment. With a 1.25-inch opening, these birdhouse kits are perfect for small to medium size songbirds. The hardest part is picking out the color!
With a severe shortage in natural nesting sites, you can help birds to flourish and thrive in your neck of the woods by providing birdhouses for them to raise their young. Birdhouse kits like these also provide great roosting spots for cold winter nights. Please help house the birds!
Birding Tips, Information & News
