By Matt Pepper, Michigan Humane President and CEO
For nearly 150 years, Michigan Humane has been a leading voice for animal welfare in southeastern Michigan. We have always focused on animal welfare and the humane treatment of pets in our community. As we firmly believe, pets make our lives better.
Wayne State University, for more than three decades, has been using dogs as research subjects to study cardiovascular issues. These types of experiments on dogs are invasive, painful, and always result in their deaths; this is an animal welfare issue that cannot be ignored. We are not aware of any clear scientific or medical advancements justifying the research. Outside the walls of a “research” facility, we would define such practices as animal cruelty.
We have an opportunity to do something about it.
Queenie’s Law (Michigan HB 4254 and SB 127) would, in essence, end the testing and research on dogs if the procedures cause pain and distress. It was first introduced in 2019, and since that time Michigan Humane has made attempts to meet with WSU officials to discuss the animal welfare concerns raised by this research. We have been unable to receive an audience with the university on this issue despite the efforts of donors, supporters, and members of our Board of Directors.
Last week, the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee heard testimony from many in favor of Queenie’s Law. Tanya Hilgendorf, Chair for the Michigan Pet Alliance Board and CEO of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, gave compelling testimony in support of the bill. The Director of Veterinary Medicine and Attending Veterinarian at WSU, spoke in opposition to Queenie’s Law; We do not feel that this testimony adequately justified the research. Wayne State University is a Detroit institution and should be known for developing future leaders and not for the needless death and suffering of pets in research.
Now is the time for our elected officials to pass HB 4254 and SB 127. We have an opportunity to be better for pets, and the people who love them, right here in Detroit. They deserve a life of love, not a life in a lab.