Lawmakers consider new rules for pet cemeteries

By Finn Mills, Capital News Service

LANSING — A recent legislative proposal would tighten state regulations for pet cemeteries.

“By establishing some basic requirements for pet cemeteries, we’re making sure pet owners can trust these places to honor and care for their companions the right way,” said Sen. Rosemary Bayer, D-West Bloomfield, the lead sponsor.

Bayer said the bill was inspired by a situation at Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery in Howell where pet owners were charged fees for services they didn’t receive and for misleading statements made by the operator.

Heavenly Acres closed in November 2018 and pet owners were given only 30 days to collect their pets’ remains, according to a 2019 Detroit News story. Unclaimed remains were exhumed.

Bayer said in a press release, “What happened at Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery was heartbreaking and I want to make sure nothing like that happens ever again.”

Bayer’s bill would create more guidelines for pet cemetery operators.

For example, operators would be required to keep updated and complete records of all burial information, as well as maintain arrangements and funds necessary for the cemetery to function properly.

Operators would also be required to notify pet owners of major changes — such as seasonal closings — in an accurate and timely manner.

Spencer Bussineau, Bayer’s chief of staff, said, “Michiganders should be able to trust the agreements they make with pet cemeteries, and they deserve to be protected from predatory scams.”

The cosponsors are Sens. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia; Sue Shink, D-Northfield Township; Erika Geiss, D-Taylor; Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe; Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield; and Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs.