July 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
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:
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