Michigan Pet Fund Alliance Position Statements on Current Issues Impacting Animals
Companion animal welfare is transforming as the knowledge base expands through research-based efforts. Often there are myths or misunderstandings that have guided efforts in the past that through research we have discovered are inhumane and/or detrimental to the animals. Changing practices often require changing beliefs. Michigan Pet Fund Alliance endorses the following position statements as research driven and humane.
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
It is the position of the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance that every cat and dog, regardless of breed type or environmental history, is an individual and deserves to be treated as such.
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance opposes any proposed legislation, law, policy or protocol that would discriminate against a dog or a cat based upon its appearance, perceived breed or history.
Breed Label Position
The Michigan Pet Fund Alliance encourages shelters and home-based rescue organization to operate with full transparency concerning the breed of dogs in their care. Dogs for which breed heritage is unknown should be labeled as “Unknown”, “Mixed Breed” or “American Rescue/Shelter Dog”.
Cat Declawing
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance is opposed to the declawing of cats. It literally maims them and can lead to physical, emotional, and behavioral complications. Declawing a cat is NOT a trivial procedure similar to trimming fingernails. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and a cat’s claws are a vital part of her anatomy, essential to balance, mobility, and survival.
Community Cats
In 2017, in an effort to support shelter best practices for community cats, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance and Michigan Humane Society cooperatively developed a Joint Statement on Community Cat Programs.
Core Value
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance explicitly and publicly affirms by our belief, actions, movements, and policies that we oppose all racial inequities and disparities as an organization.
Puppy Mills
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance opposes the commercial breeding of dogs for the retail pet market. Consumers can put a stop to puppy mills by adopting from an animal shelter or rescue group, or purchasing from a humane and responsible breeder that can be carefully screened in person. Responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores or use thirdparty sellers. Instead, responsible breeders sell directly to the new owner.
