<p>Puppy Mill Awareness Volunteer Reference Sheet:</p><p>About PMA of SE Michigan  We formed in 2008 in Northville after a new puppy store opened selling puppies from mid west states. We held a parade to educate the public on Puppy Mill Awareness Day. We have held PMA day in September every year in different locations.  Our mission is to end commercial breeding and educate the public about the pet store link.  Our main goal is to prevent new puppy stores from opening. We hold public education campaigns regularly and setup information booths throughout the year.  We recently formed a coalition to pass legislation and local ordinances: Michigan Friends of Companion Animals. </p><p>Pending Legislation: Large-scale Breeder Registration Act  Learn more on our Michigan Friends of Companion Animals website http://mfca.yolasite.com/legislation.php Once in effect, this law will:  Require registration and minimal standards of care at breeding facilities with 15 or more intact female breeding dogs. HB 4898 requires a minimal registration fee.  Establish a limit of 50 intact female breeding dogs (SB 339). (Note, this was removed when HB 4898 passed the house. We want it back in)  Help to prevent inhumane puppy mills from establishing themselves in Michigan.  Help to prevent large-scale cruelty or neglect cases like those in Allegan County in 2012, Missaukee County in 2013, Livingston County in 2014, and Oscoda County in 2015. Bill facts:  Primary sponsors: Rep. Mike McCready (R-40) for HB 4898, Sen. Steven Bieda (D-9) for SB 339.  Prohibits selling puppies at less than 8 weeks of age.  Requires vaccinations, parasite treatment and health certificates signed by a veterinarian, annual reporting, and daily record-keeping.  Gives the MDARD authority to make rules for minimum standards (i.e. housing, sanitary conditions, enclosure space, exercise, and veterinary care of dogs).  Launched by Michigan Humane Society and supported by the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers.</p><p>Passing local ordinances: Humane Pet Acquisition Proposal  Learn more on our Michigan Friends of Companion Animals website http://mfca.yolasite.com/ordinance.php Where to find a pet  We ask that families always start with their local shelter or county shelter to find a pet.  If they would like to adopt or foster to adopt via a local rescue group, we recommend going with a Michigan Certified Rescue. A list can be found on the Pet Fund Alliance page.  Of course, there is Petfinder.com. We warn families that there are rescues peddling puppies. In general, puppies don’t usually need to be rescued. They find homes very easily – especially the small breeds. It is difficult to know where the puppies are coming from. It is always safer to find a humane pet through the local shelter who has limited space and you save two lives (the one you adopted and the one you made room for). </p>