LANSING — A proposed bill would prevent Michigan’s public institutions from performing experiments on dogs that result in pain or discomfort.
The proposal is dubbed ‘Queenie’s Law,’ named after a dog who died in 2010 following testing at Wayne State University.
The effort has received a boost from Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who is encouraging Michigan lawmakers to support the bill.
LaPorta wrote to lawmakers last month in a letter with his wife, asking them to end the practice that they say is unnecessary.
Scott MacKenzie, director of the Charlevoix Area Humane Society, says that the policy would help keep more animals safe around the state.
“We’re supportive of this bill, this proposal, in that it it speaks on behalf of the animals, because the animals can’t speak, and we are their voice,” he said. “The unnecessary testing and suffering of animals is totally contrary to our mission.”
The proposal would stop the state and government agencies from engaging in this type of testing as well.
It would also exempt dogs whose owners consent to veterinary research.
The bills — SB 127 and HB 4254— have not yet been considered in the state House or Senate, but the proposals have bipartisan support in both chambers.