February 26, 2008

DETROIT – Michigan’s Department of Agriculture reports that each year dozens of consumers unknowingly buy ill animals from pet stores and are refused reimbursement for veterinary bills by the retailers.

The state’s lawmakers have something in the works which could change that.

If Michigan decides to require stores to pay customers for their pets’ medical bills, it will be the 18th state to do so. Specifically, the proposal would grant customers reimbursement of up to the cost of the pet.

“We have stronger consumer protection laws for people who buy automobiles than we have for pets,” said state Rep. Steve Bieda, D-Warren. “You shouldn’t make a living off someone else’s misery, and that’s what some of these pet shops are doing.”

Rep. Bieda introduced the bill on Valentine’s Day. He thinks it will pass, and has 13 other representatives on his side. Bieda is also a pet lover, and provides a home for two rescued dogs; Ollie and Jake.

Pet store owner Matt Benson said he thinks the law is fair.

“I think it’s reasonable,” he said. “Most stores don’t sell animals that have problems.”

That comment may or may not be true for Michigan. Research from the Humane Society of the United States shows that many pet stores utilize animals bred in puppy mills, where health and social conditions are often far below industry standards.

The latest pet store to be in the news for supplying its customers with mill dogs is Pets of Bel Air in California. The shop is frequented by celebrities who unknowingly purchased animals and goods there.

The reimbursement bill ultimately holds stores accountable for their animals. If they use reputable breeders, the likelihood of ever getting a sick animal should decrease. Some diseases like distemper and parvovirus, however, can be unavoidable. But Bieda hopes his bill will help diminish the financial pressure placed on pet owners who unknowingly buy sick animals.

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