In this issue:

• Call to Action: Queenie's Law
• May Lunch & Learn Webinar: Outreach Programs
• 2026 Awards & Grants Program
• Replay Lunch & Learn Webinar: Barn Cat Programs
• Spring Fling Fundraiser
• Local Advocacy: St. Clair County
• Welcome New Members
• June Member Events

Note: the next local advocacy committee meeting is Wednesday, May 27. MPA members who'd like to join, please reply to request the meeting link.

From a number to a name.

From the dark into the light.

From concrete floors to cozy beds.

The world is watching in awe as 1,500 beagles are freed from a life of torment, subjected to continuous breeding, research and experimentation.

Not because their captors had a change of heart, but because animal welfare advocates would not relent. No was not an option.

“We have been asking our political officials to help these dogs for almost 10 years,” said Rebekah Robinson, president of Dane4Dogs, during a recent protest at the state Capitol in Wisconsin. “We have bought billboards. We have had yard signs. We have done protests. We have done vigils. We have done email campaigns and phone call campaigns asking our elected officials to help the dogs at Ridglan Farms."

Michigan is all too familiar with this fight. Queenie's Law, which will prohibit dog experiments in Michigan, has been introduced and reintroduced session after legislative session, yet our elected representatives fail us session after legislative session.

Regardless of what the federal government decides to do on a national level, Michigan cannot take no for an answer.

We will pass Queenie's Law, HB 4254 / SB 127, which prohibits conducting research or training activities on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress.

Your voice is needed now.

A tentative hearing for Queenie’s Law is scheduled for this Wednesday in the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee, and committee members need to hear your voice, especially if you vote in their district. 

Recent reporting indicates that funding for the dog experiments at Wayne State University has been paused, and the university says there are currently no dogs involved in testing. But it’s unclear whether any dogs are still in confinement and what happens next.

Without action, the cruelty could restart at any time, and Wayne State isn't the only abuser in Michigan conducting live research.

But for decades at Wayne State, these taxpayer-funded experiments have subjected dogs to invasive procedures and death, with no benefit to human health.  

We must keep the pressure on to end this cruelty once and for all.

How You Can Help Right Now

Contact members of the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee, especially if you are represented by one of the following senators:


Contact: Jeremy Moss (D), Committee Chair, 517-373-7888, SenJMoss@senate.michigan.gov

7th District: all of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Lake Angelus, Lathrup Village, Pontiac, Southfield, and parts of Detroit, Southfield Township and Waterford Township

Contact: Sean McCann (D), 517-373-5100, SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov

19th District: all of Alamo Township, Antwerp Township, Brady Township, Charleston Township, Comstock Township, Cooper Township, Galesburg, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, Parchment, Pavilion Township, Portage, Prairie Ronde Township, Richland Township, Ross Township, Schoolcraft Township and Texas Township

Contact: Sylvia A. Santana (D), 517-373-0990, SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov

2nd District: Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, parts of Allen Park and Detroit

Contact: Sam Singh (D), 517-373-3447, SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov

28th District: parts of Grand Ledge, Lansing, Lansing Township, all of Bath Township, Bengal Township, Bennington Township, Bingham Township, Caledonia Township, Corunna, Dallas Township, DeWitt, DeWitt Township, Duplain Township, Durand, Eagle Township, East Lansing, Fairfield Township, Greenbush Township, Hazelton Township, Laingsburg, Locke Township, Meridian Township, Middlebury Township, New Haven Township, Olive Township, Ovid, Ovid Township, Owosso, Owosso Township, Perry, Perry Township, Riley Township, Rush Township, Sciota Township, Shiawassee Township, St. Johns, Venice Township, Vernon Township, Victor Township, Watertown Township, Westphalia Township, Wheatfield Township, Williamston, Williamstown Township and Woodhull Township

Contact: Roger Hauck (R), Minority Vice Chair, (517) 373-1760, SenRHauck@senate.michigan.gov

34th District: Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Osceola, Mecosta and Isabella counties and parts of Bay, Clinton, Lake, Midland and Saginaw counties.

Contact: Dan Lauwers (R), (517) 373-7708, SenDLauwers@senate.michigan.gov

25th District: Huron and Sanilac counties, along with portions of Tuscola, St. Clair and Macomb counties.

Contact: Joseph N. Bellino Jr. (R), (517) 373-5932, SenJBellino@senate.michigan.gov

16th District: most of Monroe, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties

What They Need to Know Right Now

1. Urge them to support and vote Queenie’s Law out of committee
2. Make it clear that Michigan taxpayers should not fund painful experiments on dogs
3. Share with friends and family in the districts below

Be polite and respectful while thanking them for their support.

The historic "open rescue" at Ridglan Farms may be the first operation by animal welfare advocates to end large-scale mass abuse by research and breeding facilities, but we know it won't be the last.

While organizers work to free the remaining 500 dogs at Ridglan Farms, they have publicly announced their next target: Marshall BioResources, the world’s largest breeder of animals for experimentation, located in North Rose, New York.

“Marshall Pet Products, also known as Marshall BioResources, is calculating, cruel and dishonest for selling toys and treats to animal lovers on one hand, while quietly condemning thousands of animals to research labs with the other. Marshall is a horrible puppy mill for animal experimentation, only worse, because their puppies have no hope for a home,” said President Shannon Keith, Beagle Freedom Project.

"Marshall Pet Products is the arm of the family company selling pets and pet merchandise, and they are breeding and selling animals to research under the name of Marshall Farms Ltd, (dba Marshall BioResources). All are based just minutes from each other in upstate New York and share a singular family history, overlapping key executives and the exact same annual revenue of $11.666 billion dollars."

As for the dogs rescued from Ridglan Farms, Keith states in a press release, "every one of these dogs will be treated as an individual deserving of care, healing and a home."

Michigan residents, voters and taxpayers want the same outcome for every dog tormented by experimentation in our state.

Call today. Send a follow-up email today. And, with One Voice, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Mark your calendars and register today for this month's free Lunch & Learn webinar.

"Creating an Outreach Program"

Free Webinar: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at noon Eastern

Presenter: Jen Clarkson, Founder, Dog Aide

Join us for an informative session with Jen Clarkson, founder of outreach organization Dog Aide, to discuss the steps essential to building an effective, sustainable outreach program that improves animal welfare in meaningful ways. Whether you’re part of a shelter, nonprofit, school or grassroots initiative, this session equips you with the tools to turn compassion into organized action.

Register today for Creating and Growing a Community Outreach program.

If you can't attend these webinars live, register anyway to receive the replay links.

As we prepare to launch the 2026 Better Together Awards & Grants program, it's time to start thinking about who you want to nominate for ACO of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Joel Penny Volunteer of the Year Award
In memory of Joel Penny, the Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who gives selflessly of their time volunteering in various aspects of animal welfare and who takes every opportunity to learn and know more. 

Animal Control Officer of the Year Award

The ACO of the Year award honors a professional who demonstrates creativity, innovation and exceptional dedication to animal welfare, public safety and community education.

Each award recipient will receive a cash award and plaque, which will be presented at the 2026 One Voice Conference & Expo in October.

MPA Board Member Amber Sitko (left) presents the 2025 ACO of the Year award to Officer Ashley Sanchez of Eastpointe Animal Control.

MPA Board Member Holly Guild (right) presents the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award to Thais Teixeira of Ingham County Animal Control.

Check out the webinar replay from our Starting a Barn Cat Program Lunch & Learn, April 15, 2026, as cat behavior expert Jess Vankoningsveld from Humane Society of Huron Valley explores how to identify which cats are best suited for barn placement, how to find and screen adopters, and strategies for supporting both cats and their new caregivers to ensure successful transitions.

Shop or donate today to support Michigan Pet Alliance and our mission to work in collaboration and speak with one voice to eliminate abuse and neglect of Michigan’s companion animals and to save all healthy and treatable homeless companion animals through training, technical assistance, education and advocacy.

MPA's vision is to achieve the best quality of life for Michigan’s companion animals.

MPA's Values:

• Leadership: We are committed with courage to shape a better future
• Collaboration: We believe that together we can leverage collective genius
• Integrity: We are committed to operate with truth, honesty and full transparency
• Passion: We are committed in heart and mind to speak for and represent Michigan’s voiceless companion animals
• Diversity: We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to work diligently to understand unique perspectives while eliminating systemic inequalities
• Quality: We are committed to excellence

Our St. Clair County members are asking for your support. At the upcoming May 21 meeting of the board of commissioners, St. Clair County elected officials intend to vote to strip animal control of all meaningful animal welfare.

The board plans to revert the current county animal control ordinance to a 1919 dog law that focuses primarily on dog licensing. Among other moves, the board has removed animal control's ability to respond to calls of distress for livestock.

Your fellow MPA members are asking you to show your support by packing the room on May 21 at 6 p.m. at Board of Commissioners' Room, County Administrative Office Building, 2nd Floor, 200 Grand River Avenue in Port Huron.

Photo Credit: Port Huron Times Herald

Please help us prepare for our July Lunch & Learn webinar by completing a one-question poll about the cleaning products you use in your facility.

Michigan Pet Alliance welcomes our newest members. Thank you for joining us. With One Voice, we accomplish more.

• Adopt a Pet Shelter Plus
• Michael Albrecht, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• Montana Aungst, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Linda Bailey
• Dakota Bartlett, Capital Area Humane Society
• Samantha Beckley, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Ashlyn Beemer, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• Morgan Bowie, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Amber Butterfield, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Madison Carrick, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Ariana Chiapetta, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Hailee Cook, Capital Area Humane Society
• Emily Dameworth, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Sharon Daniels, Capital Area Humane Society
• Ellie Davis, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• Lorelei Denton, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• DocuPet Corp.
• Heather Duncan, Shelterluv
• Kathryn Fabus, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Nicole Fear, All About Animals
• Amanda Ferris, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Jesseca Fuller, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Samantha Gamble, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Diamond Garrett, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Dora Gaughran, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Ellen Gratch, Capital Area Humane Society
• Angela Griffin, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Holly Guild, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Cathy Hand, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Ashleigh Hanney, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Kyle Hanney, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Brionna Hardin, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Michelle Beach Harlow, VCA Animal Hospitals
• Beth Hartline, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• Steve Hartline, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• Angela Hollinshead, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Mary Bart Houston, Adopt a Pet Shelter Plus
• IDEXX
• Joe Janca, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Amara Jensen, Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter
• Mariah Klocke, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Julie Mahan, Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter
• Richard Martel, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Lane Martin, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Jamie Matwiczyk, Capital Area Humane Society
• Randi McCabe, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Tanelle McFadyen, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Mark Moore, Shelter Planners of America
• National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA)
• Caitlyn Neal, Capital Area Humane Society
• Allie Neaves, Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter
• Morgan Ostrander, Capital Area Humane Society
• Emma Ovenhouse, Capital Area Humane Society
• Jerrica Owen, National Animal Care and Control Association
• Hannah Page, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Marissa Palgut, IDEXX
• William Paul, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Cesar Pinedo, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Tara Robinson, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Jackie Rose, DocuPet Corp.
• Megan Roth, Capital Area Humane Society
• Emma Ryan, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Raeann Santos, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Shelter Planners of America
• Shelterluv
• Cynthia Shortz, Capital Area Humane Society
• Emma Sills, Capital Area Humane Society
• Malinda Slack, The Rescue Base
• Caitlin Stewart, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Kasey Stewart, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Alexsis Studer Capital Area Humane Society
• Aleksa Studer Capital Area Humane Society
• Megan Tarvas, Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter
• The Rescue Base
• Elvira Torres-Navarro, Kent County Animal Shelter
• Caitlin Van Hemert, Kent County Animal Shelter
• VCA Animal Hospitals
• Daniel Verhougstraete, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
• Sarah Wahr, Capital Area Humane Society
• Nicole Wallick
• Jen Wilson, Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
• Kimberly York, Capital Area Humane Society

Encourage your partners and network to join MPA and become a member. Share the benefits of membership in Michigan Pet Alliance.

A benefit of MPA membership is free promotion for the upcoming events and fundraisers of member organizations. Here are a few opportunities to support animal welfare organizations next month:

• June 2: Low-cost Vaccine Clinic, Adrian, Lenawee Humane Society
• June 3: Dog Vaccine Clinic, Mason, Ingham County Animal Control
• June 5: Parties In The Park, Muskegon, Noah Project
• June 6: Charity Golf Outing, Pinconning, Humane Society of Bay County
• June 10-12: Professional Development Retreat, Amenia, NY, Animal Farm Foundation
• June 13: Annual Charity Golf Event, Ypsilanti, Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue
• June 14: In-person TNR Training, Warren, All About Animals
• June 14: 5K for K9’s, Harrison Twp, Humane Society of Macomb
• June 15: Bingo Night, Boyne City, Charlevoix Area Humane Society
• June 17: MPA Webinar, How to Get the Most Out of Grant Writing, online, Michigan Pet Alliance
• June 18: Putts Fore Paws, Harbor Springs, Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
• June 18: Pet Loss Grief Support Group, online or Ann Arbor, Humane Society of Huron Valley
• June 18: Tee Up 4 Tails, Marquette, UPAWS
• June 20: Every Kid Outdoors, Kanab, Utah, Best Friends Animal Society
• June 20: Woof, Wag & Wine, Manistique, Eva Burrell Animal Shelter
• June 20: Purrs & Poses, Grand Rapids, Fig and Friends Pet Rescue
• June 20: Family Fun Day, St. Clair Shores, I Heart Dogs Rescue & Animal Haven
• June 21: Weekly Downtown Dog Walk, Lapeer, Paradise Animal Rescue
• June 25: NACA Drive-In & Meetup, Chicago, IL, NACA
• June 27: Furry 5K, South Haven, Al-Van Humane Society
• June 28: In-person TNR Training, Flint, All About Animals
• June 28: TNR Training, virtual, All About Animals

Lend your voice and enjoy the benefits of being a member of Michigan Pet Alliance. Become a member today! It's only $35 a year for an individual. That's less than $3 a month to support pets and life-saving initiatives in Michigan.

MPA Vision:

To achieve the best quality of life for Michigan’s companion animals. 

MPA Mission:

To work in collaboration and speak with a single voice to eliminate abuse and neglect of Michigan’s companion animals and to save all healthy and treatable homeless companion animals through training, technical assistance, education, and advocacy.

313-731-2244

info@michiganpet.org

 michiganpet.org 

Michigan Pet Alliance is a 501(c)3 charitable organization as defined by the IRS

(EIN 20-0399162) and is a GuideStar Exchange Platinum Participant.

Contributions are tax deductible.

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