Could This Bill Stop Flyball in Michigan?

Over the weekend, I was made aware of a poorly worded legislative bill that has been proposed by Michigan State Senator Alan L. Cropsey. SB 626 is aimed at curbing Greyhound racing but, potentially could have the unintended affect of stopping positive recreational dog sport activities.

Dr. Al Stinson, DVM, lobbies Michigan lawmakers on dog-related bills for several dogclubs and associations. He also sends out periodic legislative alerts via e-mail to interested individuals. He is concerned that this bill, which does not define"dog racing", could end up making flyball (and lure coursing, terrier racing, mushing, and coonhound water racing) illegal in Michigan.

If you would like to be kept informed of dog-related developments on the legislative front, send Dr. Stinson an email at lsfc2@aol.com, and he'll add you to his list.

Sources tell us that Senator Cropsey is aware that bill is fairly broad and could potentially have a negative impact on dog shows, agility events and flyball tournaments. He has promised to work with his colleagues while SB626 is in committee to narrow the language so it applies only to greyhound racing.

SB626 is presented at the bottom of this post. If it alarms you as it does me, then be sure to voice those concerns to Senator Cropsey. He can be reached at:



Alan L. Cropsey
Office Phone: (517) 373-3760
Office Location: S-8 Capitol
E-mail Address: SenACropsey@senate.michigan.gov


SENATE BILL No. 626


June 27, 2007, Introduced by Senator CROPSEY and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism.


A bill to prohibit certain dog races; to prohibit the
simulcasting of certain dog races; and to prescribe penalties.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

Sec. 1. As used in this act:

(a) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation,
limited liability company, association, governmental entity, or
other legal entity.

(b) "Simulcast" means the live transmission into this state of
video or audio signals conveying a dog race held outside this
state.

Sec. 2. A person shall not hold, conduct, or operate dog
racing for public exhibition.

Sec. 3. A person shall not transmit or receive interstate
simulcasting of dog racing for commercial purposes.

Sec. 4. A person who violates this act is guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or
a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

Sec. 5. This act does not preclude prosecution under the
Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.1 to 750.568.