Residents of Eastpointe, Michigan passed new ordinances that help keep dogs safe. The ordinances are being called by some as the “most progressive” in Michigan and address a range of issues related to animal protection and welfare, including a dog curfew and hobby breeding ban.
“These ordinances will not only improve the quality of life for the animals that call Eastpointe home, but also result in a more humane community overall,” vice president of field services for the Michigan Humane Society Andy Seltz said. “We’re very excited to see if the momentum of these ordinances passing will carry over into other communities in Michigan and help all of us create a safe haven for the animals we share our lives with.”
Around 4:40pm, ACO Pylar was dispatched to Toepfer Dr. and Virginia Ave. for a dog running at large. After a lengthy…
Posted by Eastpointe Police Animal Control Division on Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Some of the features of the new ordinance include the following:
– When a Michigan weather advisory predicts temperatures will be above 82° or below 43°, you cannot leave or house your dog outside.
– It is now illegal to house a dog in a garage or shed.
– You are no longer allowed to tether a dog with a chain.
– It is now illegal to breed dogs as a hobby.
– No family can have more than one male that is not neutered or one female that is not spayed.
Eastpointe’s Chief Animal Control Officer Brian Pylar has been working on the new and updated ordinance last year after reviewing the calls he’s been taking since November 2018. Calls he received included dogs being overly bread, puppies found in the garbage, and dogs being kept inside people’s garages.
Pylar, who previously worked for Macomb County’s animal control, said that while the state says a properly insulated garage or shed is acceptable, “a dog shouldn’t live in a garage. They’re companion animals.”
“I want to help prevent future cases,” Pyler emphasized, “act on things we couldn’t act on before.”
