Michigan Animal Breeding Law

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MICHIGAN LAW REGARDING BREEDING/ SHELTER /SELLING PETS:
Animals housed in retail pet facilities are not afforded protection by the Animal Welfare Act, federal legislation first enacted in 1966 to provide humane treatment standards for some animals. In the absence of federal regulation, 24 states in the U.S. have enacted laws which establish some form of humane care standards for animals kept at pet shops. The quality and the scope of these laws vary from state to state.

Pet Shop Law:

yes -- Title 12, Part 3, Ch. 85

Definition of animal:

limited to dogs and cats, unless a broader scope is indicated -- Title 12, Part 3, Ch. 85

Food:

"fed at least once each day except as otherwise required to provide adequate veterinary care. the food shall be free from contamination and shall be wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for condition and size of the animal" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. § 285.150.41

"food receptacles shall be accessible to all dogs or cats and shall be located to minimize contamination by excreta. feeding pans shall be durable and kept clean. food receptacles shall be sanitized at least once every 2 wks. disposable food receptacles may be used but shall be discarded after each feeding. self-feeders may be used for the feeding of dry food and shall be sanitized regularly to prevent molding, deterioration, or caking of feed." -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. § 285.150.41

Water:

"adequate potable water shall be available" for dogs and cats -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. § 285.150.31

"if potable water is not accessible to the dogs and cats at all times, potable liquids shall be offered to them at least twice daily for periods of not less than 1 hour except as otherwise required to provide adequate veterinary care. Watering receptacles shall be kept clean and shall be sanitized at least once every 2 weeks" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. § 285.150.42

Sanitary conditions:

"supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect them against infestation or contamination by vermin" [this language is not limited to dogs and cats] -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. 285.151.22

Enclosure/Space:

"a primary enclosure shall be constructed and maintained so that dogs and cats kept therein have convenient access to clean food and water" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. § 285.150.36

"the floors of a primary enclosure shall be constructed so as to protect the dogs' and cats' feet and legs from injury" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. § 285.150.36

Temperature/Ventilation:

"an indoor housing facility for dogs or cats shall be adequately ventilated to provide for the health and comfort of the animals at all times ... and shall be provided with fresh air either by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. aux ventilation such as exhaust fans and vents or air con shall be provided when the ambient temp is 85° F or higher" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. 285.150.33

"an indoor facility ... shall be sufficiently heated when necessary to protect ... from cold and to provide for their health and comfort. the ambient temp. shall not be allowed to fall below 50° F for dogs and cats not acclimated to lower temps" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. 285.150.33

Selling of unweaned animals:

a pet shop may not offer for sale a dog or cat less than eight weeks old -- MICH. COMP. LAWS § 287.335a

Additional Provisions:

"an indoor housing facility for dogs or cats shall have ample light of good quality by natural or artificial means or both" -- MICH. ADMIN. CODE r. 285.150.33