The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

07/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/27/2026 17:31

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Protecting Animals, Expanding Resources for Animal Shelters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2026

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Protecting Animals, Expanding Resources for Animal Shelters

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed four bipartisan bills to expand resources for animal shelters, helping connect them with more opportunities for care of homeless and abused animals and alleviate the overcrowding burdens that shelters currently face.

"Animals in our state deserve to be treated with compassion and care," said Governor Whitmer. "I'm proud to sign these bills that deliver resources to our shelters and protect abused and homeless animals from more harm. Let's keep working together to support our animal shelters and find every pet a loving home."

Senate Bill 106, sponsored by state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), establishes a fundraising license plate in conjunction with the Secretary of State and the Michigan Pet Alliance to raise funds for humane and health care for homeless and abused animals. Funds would help shelters administer spay and neuter care to reduce overcrowding and health concerns, and would support shelter staff as they care for vulnerable animals.

"Pets are beloved members of our families, and when times are hard, they suffer alongside the people who love them," said Tanya Hilgendorf, Chair of the Michigan Pet Alliance. "Too often, that means more homeless animals relying on Michigan's already overwhelmed shelters and rescues. This new pet license plate is an important step toward expanding access to much-needed spay/neuter services and supporting Michigan's animal welfare workforce. We are deeply grateful to Senator Polehanki, the Michigan Legislature, and Governor Whitmer for making possible this investment in our companion animals, families, and communities."

Senate Bills 293 and 294, sponsored by state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), modifies the existing bond-or-forfeit system for those convicted of animal cruelty or neglect by requiring them to pay restitution as part of their sentence and by prohibiting the animal that was the victim of abuse from being returned to them. These modifications remove barriers to prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and neglect. Under these bills, paid restitution would be put towards care and rehoming efforts for the abused animal.

Governor Whitmer also signed a bipartisan bill to expand wildlife and bird feeding permissions for recreational viewing.

House Bill 4350, sponsored by state Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), allows individuals to engage in wildlife and bird feeding if the feed is within 300 feet of a residence and the total quantity of feed is less than two gallons. The bill requires that all recreational feeding comply with state and federal disease prevention standards.

Protecting Michigan's Wildlife and Increasing Access to the Outdoors

Throughout her administration, Governor Whitmer has taken steps to protect Michigan's animal and wildlife populations. Over the last seven and a half years, she has:

  • Invested nearly $54 million across eight balanced, bipartisan budgets for invasive species prevent and control, supporting grants for detection, eradication, and rapid response to protect Michigan's forests, lakes, and wildlife.
  • Signed landmark agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois to construct the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species. Secured historic federal commitment to fund the Project.
  • Invested $4.3 million to expand chronic wasting disease (CWD) research, surveillance, testing, and hunter outreach to help protect Michigan's deer herd.
  • Signed bills banning the euthanasia of cats and dogs in research labs.
  • Invested nearly $600 million in Michigan parks and recreation areas through the Building Michigan Together Plan and multiple balanced, bipartisan budgets.
  • Created the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry to grow Michigan's outdoor industry.
  • Established Nature Awaits to give every 4th grader a free field trip to a state park or recreation area so that every kid can experience Pure Michigan.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan published this content on July 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 27, 2026 at 23:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]