It’s been another record-breaking year for animal protection lawmaking, with 121 new state laws for animals on the books in 2009. We’ve identified the top 12 that we believe are most significant, setting new public policies dealing with puppy mills, animal fighting, animal cruelty, dog tethering, factory farming, fur labeling, and more. But these laws don’t pass on their own: They take the hard work of HSUS and HSLF staff, animal advocates in the field, legislators who champion the issues, and an electorate ever more aware of the problems. They are the result of extensive negotiations between stakeholders and interest groups, as well as lobbying by professional staff and volunteer citizens.
HSUS Michigan state director Jill Fritz (left) and senior
director for companion animals Betsy McFarland (right)
present the 2009 Humane State Legislator of the Year Award
to Michigan state Rep. Pam Byrnes.
One person stood out this year who did the heavy lifting to get a path-breaking bill over the finish line, and we have recognized Michigan House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Washtenaw County) as our 2009 Humane State Legislator of the Year. When Michigan agribusiness groups introduced a pair of bills to codify existing industry standards and set up an industry-dominated advisory board, Rep. Byrnes helped to bring animal advocates and agricultural leaders to the table, forging a compromise and transforming the legislation into a measure that advances animal welfare. The result was a new law to phase out veal crates for calves, gestation crates for breeding pigs, and battery cages for egg-laying hens.
With more than ten million farm animals in Michigan confined in cages so small they can barely move an inch for their entire lives, the new law provides a roadmap for ending one of the worst factory farming practices and helping Michigan farmers compete in a changing marketplace. I had the chance to speak with Rep. Byrnes about her work, and I’m pleased to share the interview with blog readers.
Michael Markarian: What was your reaction to being named the 2009 Humane State Legislator of the Year?
Rep. Pam Byrnes: I am honored and most appreciative of the recognition from The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund. I look forward to a continued partnership on legislation that affects the welfare of animals in Michigan.
MM: How important are animal protection issues to your constituents in the 52nd district?
PB: From our farms to our households—the people in our community care deeply about their animals. Part of my job is to ensure our laws reflect that passion for animals and their well-being.
MM: You helped negotiate an agreement between agricultural leaders and animal protection groups to phase out crates and cages on factory farms. What was that process like?
PB: Essentially, I informed all the stakeholders that the bills would not move in the form in which they were introduced. We brought everyone together and started a dialogue to get everyone’s input. Compromise can be difficult, but we made it happen.
MM: Many people thought it wouldn’t be possible to achieve an outcome that helped farmers, consumers, and animals, but you helped make it happen. Were there times when you thought the process was falling apart, and how did you get it back on track?
PB: Yes, some parties were reluctant to participate. However, as the process moved forward most joined in. It just goes to show what can be accomplished when all parties come to the table and discuss their common interests, as well as their differences. It takes a shared vision, willingness to work together to get things done and an open mind. You have to listen to other people—their experiences and views may not only enlighten you, but they can help mold a solution that reflects the common good.
MM: Have you seen other examples in your work of two sides that start out in a polarized situation, but come together to find common ground on an issue?
PB: Most issues that I’ve worked on had people arguing several sides of the issue, all of which warranted discussion. Some cases where we found common ground include road and bridge issues, transportation funding and anti-bullying policy.
MM: You have a great history of working on legislation related to animal welfare. Under your leadership, Michigan increased the penalties for domestic animal abuse. What caused you to take on that important issue?
PB: I have always been supportive of my local humane society and the important work that they do. I have raised animals and pets and have a natural inclination to look out for animals. Also, I was appalled at several local incidents a few years ago involving the mutilation of dogs and negligent care of horses. In response to those incidents, I sponsored legislation increasing penalties for these heinous acts. These actions have no place in society and it’s important that we give authorities the tools to fight these despicable crimes.
MM: What does it mean for Michigan to be a leader on farm animal welfare?
PB: Farm animal welfare and agriculture are tremendously complicated issues with a myriad of intertwined factors. I am proud that our state is working so hard to protect animal welfare, and I expect that to continue. Bringing together seemingly competing interests to work for a common solution is in everyone’s best interests.
MM: What animal issues are most important to you, and what public policies for animals do you see on the horizon?
PB: We need to raise awareness about how abusers will often harm pets for leverage in domestic disputes. Unfortunately this is a very real issue. I think it’s also important that we continue to explore the direct relationship between animal abuse and domestic violence as a possible way to help identify abusers and prevent future abuse.
MM: Do you have pets now?
PB: You bet. I love having pets of all shapes and sizes. Pets offer wonderful companionship and brighten our lives. Part of what my husband and I enjoy the most about living on a small farm is raising animals. We have miniature donkeys right now and in the past, I’ve had pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs and several dogs and cats.
